I know there is a thread here somewhere on what the lowest grit hone various folks have shaved off of.
I have just finished my first razor honed for someone else--one of my students who is about to start straight shaving. He has a razor honed by Lynn, but had another from a yard sale--it's an "O.B. Special" and the other side has "Nashville Barber Supply" stamped into the metal.
It looked pretty nice, though he was worried about the spike point and the edge had some minor dings. I offered to hone it for him to see what I could do.
Used a DMT 325 to smooth out the rough spots on the edge and round off the spike slightly. Then I went to the DMT 1200 to set the bevel, using one layer of tape to protect the spine--I guess it not being my razor made me concerned. I decided to stay on the 1200 until I knew the bevel was right, and eventually it easily shaved leg hair.
Then I went to the Naniwa 3K and when I was done, I stropped it on leather and did a full-face WTG pass. I was amazed! This must be a nicer razor than I thought. The WTG pass was the closest I've ever had, with no pulling except one spot near my mouth where all my razors pull. It felt very comfortable and smooth.
So I gave it a few more on the 3K then up the line, the Naniwa 8K and 12K, then Chromium Oxide on fabric, then linen and leather strop.
All of which dramatized to me that yes, if the bevel is set right, if the work on the lower grits is done right, the main part of honing is done.
Every time I enjoy a razor I've honed, i think about these forums and how much I have learned from all your generosity and knowledge.
Now my student will gain from your encouragement as well!