as noted above you seem to be on the right path but you can't count a bevel set, this is the key to everything all other hones only polish the bevel edges really
it could take 20 or 100 plus strokes on a 1k hone let alone a 4k

I started with a 4/8k also & it can take a lot longer to set the bevel if not right & all dependent on your technique & the amount of pressure used (to much is worse than not enough)

I generally start with circles also at about 20 to 40 each stone but always finish the stone with about 20 X strokes extra light

I go through to 12K then use Chrox & Ferrox only when honing before clean felt & leather
not after every shave

if the blade is not shaving right either the bevel is not set or you are killing the edge stropping especially on the pastes ??

JMHO