Originally Posted by
Tack
First, "Am I using too much pressure so the edge is flexing?".. you should not be using ANY pressure. (Yes, there are times when varying degrees of pressure may be used, but this is not one of them - especially when first learning to hone.) You need only that minimal amount of pressure needed to keep the blade in full contact with the stone.
Second, you should try the Sharpie Test - mark the edge with a sharpie, give the blade half a dozen strokes on the stone, and take another look. This will tell you if you are getting to the very edge. It is possible that the razor was honed with tape but with the amount of work you have described, that bevel angle should be long gone.
I am also concerned with the 50X "before" picture.. it appears to show some sort of edge damage and possibly some sort of crud on the edge. If you have corrosion or physical damage, the blade needs some work on a coarser stone before finishing. While on that subject, there has been considerable variation in the fineness of the dragon's tongue stones reported & that might not be the best stone for a newcomer's first attempt at refreshing.
It is hard to say what's going on in your fourth hone 500X pic. Evaluating an edge under the microscope is very difficult since a seemingly minor difference in lighting can make a huge difference in what we think we are seeing. I'd suggest the sharpie test with no pressure and a fresh look. There are just too many unknown variables to deal with at this point so let's try to eliminate them one by one.
Don't get discouraged, it takes a little work and then, for most of us, there is that sudden "eureka" moment when everything works. Good luck.
rs, Tack