Here is my dilemma. I purchased my razor (Solingen Bismark) with a factory edge before I found out that it should be prehoned by an expert. I live in Japan, so sending it back to have it honed is not an option. I have purchased Shapton 12000 and a Norton 4000/8000 stones and and Illionois strop. Originally I gave it about 30 passes on the Shapton and got a pretty good shave out of it, but when I tried the pyramid beginning with 3 on the 4000, 3 on the 8000, 1 - 3, 1 - 5, it seemed to have turned dull. What can I do to hone this razor myself so it will be shave-ready?