I've been wondering why so many newbies are having a hard time getting their razors shave ready after using a pyramid, which is supposed to help, not hinder the newbie. Here's what I've come up with:

Rinse off your razor, stone and the top of that cool little blue Norton box with the honing tray, between 4k and 8k use. Any time that you go from a coarse (generality) stone to a finer stone without cleaning you are simply contaminating the finer stone. The razor will also carry bits of the coarser slurry to the finer stone, which also, necessitates rinsing. Think of it as throwing gravel on top of a nice smooth asphalt driveway. (The best I can do at this hour. My analogical skills won't hit for another eight hours or so!)

I just haven't seen this stated much, and if it has then this new post may save someone from walking away from this great sport!