Bout two or three weeks into honing. I have a King 1k, Norton 4/8 and Black Ark. I've got about a two dozen razors that were my fathers that I am working my way through honing. Some are in better shape than others, all are a challenge.

I've taken time to set the bevel, confirming it is a clean edge with no chips or other issues (I used the thumb-pad test as well the Sharpie method on the edge to be sure the bevels meet). Then worked my way up through the stones to the Black Ark with soapy water. One razor I took through these steps seems to be shave ready and it pops hairs toe, heel & center. Visual inspection has it looking like any of the more professional hone jobs I have, yet it shaves like poop.

How does one diagnose what's wrong and how far down the stones I should go in an attempt to get it shave ready?