It sounds like you need to spend a little bit more time on the 8K and 12K between each shave.
New hones will not magically improve your honing skills. Spend more time with the hones you have and be patient in attitude and persistent in your efforts.
Now, to be useful. Try performing 10 laps on the 8K and 50 laps on the 12K between each shave. You should notice a gradual improvement in the edge.
Just my $.02,:)