Well i have to admit i do use HHT as a indicator, I only use this after stropping. At 4k stage i would use tpt feeling for a nice sticky edge. then i move to 8k for 20 laps to polish i then strop and test with hair if i can pass fairly well i finish on coticule for 50 to 75 laps strop and the hht usauly improves plus 2. Thts how i do things.When i first started honing i never used the hht. I only ever used tpt also you should be able to shave arm hair easily at 4k, if you can you will be about there or not far of. I'd normaly do a pyramid if my honing proression did'nt quite get me there. If i was you i'd just repeat the given pyramid untill you get a good shave.