I think when I experimented with this it took about 40-70 laps on the Swaty to take the shoulder off.

Just tape it again

I don't hone anything without tape after honing a VIRGIN W&B FBU wedge
and after a very short honing session it had (what looked like) considerable hone wear.
It wasn't, but it wasn't virgin anymore either.


back on topic
do you not have pastes?