Tomorrow I'm gonna attempt my first honing . I have a couple of questions about over-honing, since I expect it's something I'll encounter. I'll be using a Norton 4K/8K.

Here's how I understand things. If a razor isn't sharp enough, it will evidently not pass the various sharpness tests. If an edge passes the tests coming straight off the 8K, or even 4K side, it's certainly sharp enough, but could be over-honed. If the edge is okay, after polishing on higher grits and stropping, it will shave well. If it's over-honed the edge will disintigrate while shaving and give a lousy shave.

I've read that sharp edges that are not well polished give an uncomfortable shave, so how might I tell if an edge is over-honed or simply needs more polishing on higher grits? Each one would not shave well, but do they each produce different effects/feelings? Is there a specific effect/feeling associated with each fault in the honing process?