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Probably most or all of the above :p it takes time (months to a year) to get everything dialed in.

Seeing as it's your second shave, it could be your prep, your lather, your stropping, your shave technique or any combination of the above. Also, don't confuse "the razor" with "your honing" as...

Scott knows what he's talking about, I just didn't want to say it :p

Try shaving with it so you know what the razor feels like at this point, then shave after the 8K, then after the 12K. Doing it like that will help you learn as you go because you'll be able to...

+1 to not honing it yourself and sending it out. You're putting the horse before the cart, big time.