Its not been mentioned yet, but off an 8k you can get a good shave ready razor thats capable of chopping through most beard types. After bevel setting your mostly making it more comfortable by polishing.

I agree with AxelH; too many tests can get in the way... BUT trial and error is the only way to determine what ones are right for you, and you'll need markers to determine where the edge is, whether its feel, acoustic feedback, how easy it cuts armhair(skin level and above skin level)

try dulling the edge on a glass tumbler or something and start again, bevel setting on the 4k will take longer than on a 1k but keep at it until it cuts armhair again.
Make sure it cuts armhair EASILY off the 4k. Some people like to move on as soon as it cuts armhair however it cuts it, I like to get it to cut easily.
Move onto the 8k with little pressure, make sure there's enough pressure to keep the razor's spine and edge on the hone and polish it up to a near mirror or mirror finish - whatever the 8k takes it to - and test shave with it.


I know it sounds a pain starting again but, it might save you hours of polishing a damaged bevel.

good luck