Thanks guys. I'll follow Xman's advice as soon as I get home next week on the cleaning. I was planning on trying Scotts trick too but didn't get to it before I left. (got the iso out onto the counter....wonder where it will have migrated to by the time I get back )

So, I guess the answer, then is just enough wax and not too much.

I happened to pickup an Illinois 800 something Russian strop too (when you bid on ONE item you never win, but bid on Two at the same time and win the BOTH.... Murphy's law.....) I was able to play with that before I left and noticed the unwaxed linen and courser leather DID raise an edge on 2 blades that passed the HHT finally!