I am new to straights and have migrated over from DE's. To my surprise I have had very good results. I'm using a Theirs Issard, which I had honed before using. It definitely passed the hanging hair test, but on my second shave it no longer seemed as sharp. I know my beard is course, but not that course. Obviously, if anything, it is my stropping. I can't tell if I rolled the edge or not. It looks and feels smooth, but no longer will pass the hanging hair test. I'm questioning whether that is normal after a few shaves or is my stropping damaging the blade or it is it not effective. I'm hoping for some clarification. I've completed my fourth shave, and although it was very good I'm noticing it doesn't seem as sharp.