I have 2 razors that I could not shave with. I bet I must have honed 4 time each. 1K-3K-8K-12K nanawa stones. I would strop many strokes (100 cloth-leather) they would pass the HHT then after 1-2 passes on my beard I would have to stop and get another razor. I recently ordered and used the English leather and cotton strop. without re-honing by just using the strops both blades shaved nicely. I know the first strops were good and It had to be my ability with that strop. what I'm trying to say is some times you just have to experiment.