Quote Originally Posted by fletcherac View Post
Today I purchased a Norton 4k/8k stone and spent a bit of time lapping it. I tried 10 strokes on the 4k, 10 on the 8k, and 20 on the polishing stone, hoping to once again get a smooth shave. Unfortunately, it was still tugging and painful.
Honing has to be learned by correct practice. It takes awhile to develop the stroke and to get a feel for where you're at and where you need to go. The pyramid method is good for a new honer because it is a formula and can be followed sort of like painting by the numbers. If you do one pyramid and the razor still isn't where you want it to be repeat. Learning to gauge the keenness of the edge with the thumb pad (TPT) , intuitively knowing how much pressure to use comes with time and practice. There is just no substitute IME. Here is the pyramid method in the SRP Wiki.

should the blade be that bad already when it's only been used for 10 weeks or so?
Ideally when the edge starts going downhill touching up before it is too far gone is recommended.