I agree maxi, im on my 4th shave (actually my 8th but 4th for this razor) on one of my two for this test, and i only went through one cycle of pyramids after i initially set the bevel at med pressure. I touched up the blade (American Shear & Knife) with feather light pyramids and some additional 8k polishing to see if it would make the shave better, and it absolutely did. I may continue tomorrow with just additional 8k polishing to see if i can get it even smoother. This shave was great because i didnt slice anything unlike my last shave, the irritation was far less especially with some additional stone work, and barely any sting. Not a BBS shave, but a good close shave and I got to try my first soap puck instead of Proraso which was Penhaligons - English Fern.. Actually seemed a little slicker than proraso to me.
So all in all since my total number of straight shaves is probably in the low twenties in total i'd say that in the last 15 days I've become confident that i can at the very least set the bevel and hone to the point of at least shave capable at worst and semi comfortable but totally acceptable at best. I've been more amazed at how much actual shaving technique ive learned out of necessity of the blade conditions. More finesse, more attention to pressure and angle, and most importantly for me I now realize that pulling the skin and skin tightness is not just a suggestion but mandatory. Especially when the blade is not as keen, pulling the skin tightly for me (with coarse hair) makes the shaving far easier with far less irritation.
Time to look for a jeweler's loupe.
*** edit. I must have missed page 42 and didnt see your reply till this morning. Thanks Lynn for the suggestions to my earlier question! Had i read it last night i would have tried that pyramid method instead. I will give that go on my henckels tonight. Much obliged!