Well I promised an update after getting my stones.
I worked on all three razors yesterday using all three grits (4K, 8K 12K), a polish honing on newsprint (I plan to make a hard felt pad for diamond spray) then finished up with a good latigo stropping. All of them passed the HHT right off the 8K hone.
The shave this morning was incredible. Effortless, totally BBS and no nicks. I guess I've moved beyond the "cheap" stage. I love interactive hobbies. :)
Pelkey