I think that I'm really leaning towards Gugi's observation that Sheffield steel isn't consistent across all the brands. I've felt one example that was great (Bengal from Gugi... Thanks again ), several that were marginal (meaning shaved ok, but didn't feel great on the face), and a few that were not that great

Keeping in mind that it wasn't just my honing being evaluated, I think Gugi's is the most sensible explanation to my mind. The fact that MParker, and my other friend (who hasn't chimed in so I'll not "out"), made similar observations, holds a lot of sway with me.