So I've done a ton of research here on the forums and on the wiki site and still have a couple of questions when it comes to honing a brand new razor that isn't "shave ready".

I've learned that if you're not using the Pyramid method, a good way to tell that you're done with the 4k stone is to see if the razor will shave arm/leg hair and possibly even pass the HHT (with a false positive). Once you've hit this mark, you can move up in grit.

However, how do you know when you're done at the 1k and 8k levels?

One of the new razors I have won't cut arm/leg hair or even pass TNT, so I figured it's a good sign to move to the 1k stone. I just need to know when to move to the 4k stone or start on the 4k/8k pyramids. Should it pass the TNT? or should it pass more than that?

Secondly, I have another new razor (Solinger Best Quality Dovo) that will cut arm/leg hair, but gives a pretty rough shave.

I've read to go (4k/8k) 10/10 5/5 3/3 1/3 1/5 and to also go 1/5 3/5 5/5 3/5 1/5.

Which is better? I know some might say to go with one and if it doesn't work go with the other, but I'm afraid that going with the wrong one might do more harm than good and might cause even more work.

Thanks in advance for any input!