wow, mixed opinions i see, the guy who said there are too many variables to judge is right on the money and i have to make clear the fact that i am very experimental and dont just follow previous peoples practices like a sheep, i am not scared to sacrifice a razor to try something out and was not suggesting not stropping at all! the trial lasted 3 days so i just got my edge back afterwards no problem (dovo en vogue micarta), i guess i must have adapted quickly to compensate for an unpolished edge i have been a butcher/boner for years previously and know a thing or two about an edge.. pbx system finishing on polished steel really works for my cut but others hate that system (but i was the one waiting for them to finish before the next quarter got broken down) thanks for posting all!