What a great thread. Surprised I never found it before. It seems that most here use varied approaches to the same technique, and have found similar results. I'd like to start by mentioning that I never start with more than a few strokes on leather on a razor I have shaved with before. I have found many that will be just fine with that for a number of shaves. I suspect I have come across some overhoned razors from the guys who need 100 of this and 100 that. It could be a neater world, but the truth is I hone and strop a number of razors that repsond quite differently to my efforts. Maybe my efforts could always be the same, but why would I want to make 100 passes if 20 reach the same point? There are very few razors that even identical modles from the same manufacturer will produce identical results from identical efforts. Each razor has its own set of quality of steel, hardness, and temper, not to mention width at bevel and enviornmental exposures. Each strop has its own qualities and will produce near same results, but not necessarily with the same effort. I believe in constant testing and feedback through the honing and stropping process. I don't have enough hair for that so use unaccepted methods. I know, shame on me. (Shhh, don't tell anybody) Since we are discussing strops and stopping I will confine my chat to that. When I think a razor is ready I head for the ultimate, and only really revelent test, on my face. There are a number of strops hanging on the door behind me. I'll start the process with about 30 laps on leather. If I am not satisfied that the razor is sharp enough, on the first stroke, I will give it 30 or so laps on the cloth, and follow with more until I am satisfied it is sharp enough. If at that point I feel the shave could be softer and smoother, then I go to the leather to produce that. Maybe starting with as little as 20, and following with more as I believe are probably necessary. I have found, that on some razors, too much leather can begin to loose a little keeness, and then you need to find the best compromise. But this entire process is usually finished before I finish the first cheek. I have a difficult time understanding the guys that strop tonight and shave tomorrow, with the strops in another room. What do you do if the edge is not quite right? Walk back and forth? Or endure a shave that you know is less than expected? Mostly, the razors we deal with are all different in their reactions to our efforts, why would we treat them all the same or expect them to act the same. I have found that most razors can give quite satisfactory shaves for quite some time, with a good leather and linen strop, but eventually frown and chips will require honing. All of this is a little difficult for newbies. Over doing each step is often the only replacement for experience and sensativiety to what the razor is doing on your face. Sorry newbies, you will have to keep doing the 100 strokes for a while. To complicate your lives just a little more, I have found that speed improves the edge faster, and cuts the number of passes necessary for the same results, at least on the cloth strops. Just MHO