i have your same setup and i will say that at first i thought i was getting the blade sharp, until i read that the blade should be popping hairs off the 4k hone, for me i was at the time popping hairs off teh 8k and it wasn't easy, and made a ping noise slightly. this was because i hadn't been patient and spent more time on the 4k. i use the hanging hair test but many don't like it. for me if the blade passes hht off the 4k without effort then about 100 laps on the 8k and some serious stropping (i always strop more when the blade is fresh off the hone). i have a 12k chinese also which seems to make a little bit of a difference but there is no reason you NEED one. from the 4k on the pressure is a big factor so pay attention to it. this is just me , but i would tape the spine to reduce hone wear.
so here is my suggestion, lap the stones, tape the spine, go back to the 4k until it pops the hairs on your arm with the edge and a spine width above the surface of your skin, hit the 8k (again light pressure on both hones) for about 100 laps (i know guys will say there is no set number, but 100 seems to work for me) strop with a taught strop and light pressure (i do about 50 on the linen and anywhere from 100-200 on the leather) and shave test.
this is just what i do and it seems to work, i am NOT a honemeister and am certainly still learning all the time. everyone develops their own technique, but you have to start somewhere right.
good luck
Wes