I think you need to understand that Murray Carter, Howard and Mastro Livi approach razors in a difference manner then most. They have very extensive knowledge in metallurgy. Most people who hone and strop don't go into the actual makeup of the steel and the best way to get an edge based on the metal. I have tried Howards technique and it doesn't work for me. I prefer after a 12k to go to a Escher or Jnat and do 5-10 laps then 15-20 laps on my Mastro Livi loom strop. This works the best for me. Each one needs to experiment to find what works the best for them. No one way is the best.