Matt,

I wouldn't give up on the Norton just yet. It sounds like you're getting close, and getting more hones will be in some ways starting over. I like the Belgian hones now, but it took me a few weeks to figure out how to use them with satisfactory results.

Just to clarify, Alan's approach is more of a straight progression vs. a pyramid. He works a lot on the 8K and doesn't use the 4K much once the bevel is established.

I had good luck with his approach when I was learning to hone. There were some long threads where he coached me through some problems last fall and winter. Search this forum for my username to read the whole sorry tale. My honing problems almost equaled your shaving troubles...

Anyway, both approaches work once you figure things out. Some have better luck with one or the other.

I would encourage you to concentrate more on keeping the edge flat on the hone during the stroke and worry less about ultra light pressure. You do need ultra light pressure at the end of the progression to get the best results from the 8K, but you can get most of the way there with some light pressure, then finish on diamond paste.

Practice will do a lot to even your stroke out over time. Keep at it--you're doing well!

Josh