I am sure the honing is just my technique it is my first time for a razor. The lapping I did a grid on all the stones the 1k only took a few moments the 4k took 5 min or so. But the 8k took a long time it was high in the middle of the stone and took a long time for all four corners to level. It changed the stones color from a yellow/orange color to the smooth yellow it should be. I wish I had taken pictures but atleast they are ready to go now. I will continue to "hone" my honing skills.