IMO the Gukumyo is the best period. I do like my Jnats but I always end up using cr ox after a jnat and with the 20k I need nothing
SOTD Wednesday DD goldedge 6/8 SR Simpson special s1 best badger brush Proraso green Illinois leather #361 strop 20x on linen 20x on leather Single pass wtg Cold water rinse. Dab of menthol lotion Finish with a splash of clubman original
Just received my Illinois 361 strop today. Does anyone have tips on how to break in the linen and leather, or have a link to similar tutorial? This is my first Illinois strop. I've not had to break in my other strops
I found those Illinois strops to be rather stiff and coarse. Giving the strop a good, extensive amount of firm palm-rubbing helps soften and lends some pliability.
Montgomery Ward mail order straight. It's not uneven as it appears in the photo, I just have no skill with a camera
David, I would avoid the area and let it heal. Then approach it carefully until you're certain you'll not nick it open again. I had a similar issue low on my jawbone I was constantly re-agrravating, causing bleeders. Two week vacation from shaving it (left an odd 'hair patch'), but once healed, no problem shaving it smooth....
27 January 2016 Day 27 - 90 Day Intro to SR Whipped Dog "Sight Unseen" 5/8 L'Occitane Plisson Synthetic Route 66 - Lumberjack Alum Pinaud Citrus Musk Have a terrific Thursday! 
so which was your favorite? Will a 60k-100k hand held microscope be adequate to view the edges for honing purposes?
Probably the 'Cadillac'—but they're all very similar. Not having used the microscope you list, David, I can't offer an opinion whether it would be suitable. I suppose if it helps you to see the edge, why not? Here's a thread I started on an affordable, yet effective hand-held 60x LED microscope for checking edges. Click here
My old eyes are so bad, I think I'm going to break down and spend for this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004U81TF8/?tag=thshde-20 Stereo with zoom. I figure I've spent this much in total on less expensive options that haven't worked out for me, I may as well suck it up. Nice camera options available as well. Would imagine you kind folks will get tired of seeing pics of edges once I'm up and running with it. Next week sometime.
28 January 2016 Planned Day 28 - 90 Day Intro to SR Whipped Dog "Sight Unseen" 5/8 L'Occitane Plisson Synthetic Route 66 - Lumberjack Alum TSD ISZ AS under Clubman Have a nice evening!