Thank you for the laugh."this razor was honed with 3 layers of tape to protect the spine and to keep the bevel narrow and tight:
In case that seller is a member here, I'll refrain from commenting further...
I would like to know how tape makes a bevel 'tight' though..
Sorry, momentary slip.... moving on now.... but what is a 'tight bevel' anyway? Lol... sorry, couldn't help it. Really moving on now.
Anyway, seems you have a plan to get the edge done. Probably needs work, given the
Backtracking though..
20/50 is NOT 'too much' stropping.
If an edge is falling off fast, it can be from a poorly done bevel, yes.
Three shaves in and needing a pasted strop speaks to a poorly done edge, or....
Could also be that your lather is off, your stropping isn't up to snuff, along with the bad bevel. Or one or all of the above.
Sometimes, it's more than just one thing. So check the entire process for possible weak points.
Abrasive compound on a hanging linen is actually quite a good idea, it's been done for centuries and it works fine. A textured fabric surface can be extremely efficacious. Almost any surface can work but some work better than others. I keep trying new substrates of all types for many years now and keep coming back to hanging fabric. Loom strops can be good too if the hide is on-point. I want to make a fabric loom strop someday actually. I have a blade going 3 years with a linen/paste strop maintenance, no bevel issues - none. Just keep it taught, keep the lap count low. The imaginary fears that some banter around are unsubstantiated wive's tales from the dark ages of the shaving news group.
I will agree that keeping the charged strop away from everything else is a good idea. Esp Crox in a water-based medium, stuff dries up into a fine powder that can get dust all over the place.