If you are honing freehand, the angle is constantly changing and you may not be honing to the edge or completely across the edge with each stroke.

What you should see is the same thing, reflection of light , shinny spots. In strong light you can see that with the naked eye. Pick up a $10 Carson 60-100x, Micro Max and you will see a lot more of what is going on at the edge.

Also strop the edge to remove any flashing , then look at it. Holding the blade in the proper angle is critical.