Look at me, I couldn't possibly know all I know after two short years

Now, are you saying 1/2 the time you just cannot get sharp so those go back in the drawer and you use one of the successful ones; or 1/2 the time the end result is not what you expected so you must touch up some more and maybe even again?

The latter is not uncommon by my reading. It happens a lot. Could just mean you need to refine your pre-shave test a bit more. As well be sure to try new things; with the stones but especially with the strop.