Thanks a lot, guys, for your comments. I will email Renee, and open a dialogue as to my expectations vs reality, sharpening, buying a few more <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. I'm a newbie, so, this will be good experience.

edit to add:
I did try some light stropping on an ez-lap fine, and a ceramic rod. Didn't really help much as I was probably being too cautious.