Thanks guys. From what I have read above it sounds like I'm not messing up too badly. I agree, I could have stuck with the diamond plate a while longer, but I was out of time and so stripped the 2 layers of tape. Don't want to leave that stuff on too long; didn't know when I would get back to it. What I have learned here is that if I want to use the King, I should create a slurry. Can I use a coticule slurry stone? Can I use the diamond plate? Should I buy a slurry stone made for this hone? The King is just too slow on water alone.
Hope to get back to the blade next weekend. I'll post another update when I've had some success...
Thanks again for all the helpful comments.