Thread: First razor honed - advice needed

By way of background, I bought a shave ready Wapi three weeks ago and have had about 15 successful shaves with it. I strop it before each use and it still passes the HHT which makes me conclude that my stropping technique is satisfactory.

I have a DMT 1200, belgian blue and coticule. I have bought 3 straights off fleabay with a view to practice honing. I honed my first razor today, a Modoso 5/8 which had a few tiny nicks in the blade. After removing the nicks on the DMT, I used the belgian blue with slurry, then the coticule and finally stropped the razor. It felt sharp but not as sharp as my Wapi and it wouldn't pass the HHT, although shaved arm hair fine.

I have just had a quick test shave with it and it shaved fairly well, but not as good as my Wapi. However, for my first attempt I am pleased. I have spent quite a bit of time watching heavydutystg series of videos on honing which have been really helpful.

How do I get that elusive sharpness? Is the basis of a sharp edge the bevel and therefore without a spot on bevel, no amount of time on the coticule will result in a super sharp edge? Or is a sharp blade a combination of a good bevel and honing technique which will all improve with practice?
Finally, as I haven't got the sharpness yet that I am after, am I best dulling the edge and starting back on the DMT and working my way up to the coticule again? If so, what is the best way off taking the edge off the razor?

I know guys spend years honing before they get it spot on and I'm not expecting to get there quickly myself, I would just be grateful for some pointers on the best way forward. I am happy to invest the time, just need to know if it's best to start back down on the DMT and try to get a better bevel.

I am really enjoying the whole straight experience and the challenge of honing.