The big question is going to be, how are your honing skills? Do you have a bench mark for sharp? How long and how much will greatly very. Most honemeisters might only need a few minutes where a beginner might spend hours. I highly recommend that you get a razor honed professionally by any of the honemeisters on this forum so you have a benchmark for sharp. That way you can tell if your getting it honed or just frustrating yourself. Also, have you flattened your hone? Norton hones right out of the box need to be flattened.