So I am honing one of my razors because for some reason it got really dull and wouldnt shave well (I think my wife dropped it and wont tell me). It's a smiling full hollow and 4/8s.

I broke out my 1k stone and started to set the bevel. I used the marker test to check my stroke as I am not confident in my abilities at honing a razor much less a smiling razor. On the first or second pass all the marker comes off and the bevel is set on 3/4s of the blade starting from the heel and can shave arm hair with ease but the toe cant unless I put alot of pressure and really not even then.

I understand that its most likely my technique and stroke and that the toe most not be hitting the hone but that seems to contradict what the marker test is telling me. By the way it is a 4/8s cox and sons full hollow and the stone is a 1k diamond stone and I am using a 45 degree heel forward x stroke and switch it up with a rolling motion too. I am using weight of the blade pressure and even tried resting my finger on the toe of the razor to put more pressure there. Oh yeah and I am using tape

If there is anything I am doing wrong or anything that I am not doing please let me know because I am baffled.

Oh and please forgive any spelling errors. I am writing this on my phone and cant see it very well.