If you have been getting improvement of your blade continue with what your doing. Little to no pressure is important as you get closer. Sometimes a blade just won't seem to get moving without a touch of pressure. You can use it and it won't hurt the razor too much but if your close to a good edge I think we would all agree not to use pressure. Lynn and Randy both can hone a razor just by looking at it. You probably won't get a razor really keen with pressure. A dulling razor though is probably getting honed poorly. Sounds like you understand the process pretty well. You may just need patience. Stick with it, if the razor is close continue without using pressure. When you have a very dull razor a little pressure can save you a lot of wasted time. If all else fails just repost later.