The rabbit hole can be very deep.
Ejmolitor37 has an interesting point.
It is actually fair
Y important for new honers to use tape. Once you can get through the bevel set without wearing out the tape you then get to the tape optional part of the skill set.
There have been a lot of new guys stuff a blade from no tape and too much spine pressure.
Going to a meet will up your game way faster and you will learn some very subtle aspects of honing.