After much experimentation and some help from Damon, I've successfully honed 4 razors to shave sharp status after going at this for about a month now. I've used a variety of pyramids, with and without an x pattern, lifting and not lifting off towards the end of the stroke and I discovered my own method for this madness of honing. Great shaves now too! It's so much easier and gratifying with a sharp blade.

I have a Bismarck leather/linen strop that I've been using, but the strop that I got from Damon is remarkable, so now I'm going to use my bismarck for travel and Damon's exclusively. His are almost half the cost of the the store bought ones too. Ten laps and your ready to shave. If anyone wants to try it out after I buy my own, let me ( or Damon) know.