Quote Originally Posted by xman View Post
I'm finding that better stropping can help maintain the edge longer as well as moderate this 'decline'. I still kind of prefer that freshly honed sensation.

X
If stropping is restoring the edge to its original keeness, i don't see how you could be doing any better. On the other hand, if it's not, you have two choices: compromise on sharpness and let it go longer; or do something to get back the sharpness. For me, that something is the emoval of the slightest amount of matrial (a refresh), and I'm back where I was.

I don't know what you mean by "moderate this decline." Stropping either does it or it doesn't. If it doesn't and material removal solves the problem, then there are only two possible stropping solutions: increase the number of stropping reps (a LOT) so you remove the neessary material; or add the slightest abrasiveness to the strop so you remove the material. Maybe heavier stropping could help slightly (with other risks), but there's a physical issue here that normal stropping alone can't solve.