Just an opinion -- the most useful test for anyone just beginning to hone is the "sitting around the table drinking coffee and honing with people even more blade-crazy than you" test. I learned more in a morning or two with JoeD, Holli, and Lynn than in untold hours by myself. Put out a call for help in your area, or go to a meet.

OK, I'm still a beginner --- but maybe I'm an "advanced" beginner.

Oh, and -- good luck with that hanging hair thing -- I think it's a lot more hair-specific than blade-specific.