My shaves feel pretty good and the razor consistently manages the HHT well.

Perhaps a dumb question, but can you confirm that the leather has a grain? If so, is it usual to get that scratchy sound when go with the grain, but not against? Also, based on feel, there is more drag when going in the direction of hanging end towards the anchored end (ie bottom to top)

I have ignored the sound difference and focussed on maintaining equal pressure based on manual feedback - wondered if others get this experience of sound difference and drag difference as well.

Bill