I did a bunch more reading, and found that barber hones are pretty durable, so I took a cleaning cloth and some glass safe Vim to the stone. Total change. I suspect that the dealer may have given it a wipe with ren-wax or something. I've noticed that water beads up differently on it now, all in one big bump instead of little bubbles (if that makes sense) And it actually looks like I'm getting a polish on my razor, and I'm for sure leaving steel behind on the hone. Hopefully this helps me turn a corner with things!