I'm still new to honing, and i gave up on my NOS that i got on ebay and antique stores. I ended up sending it to a honemiester on this forum. I got a completely dulled razor to shave hair off my arms and legs, but could not get it t comfortably shave atg with my norton 220/1k 4k/8k set up. All the razors came back to me incredibly sharp and gave amazing shaves.

For xmas i got two new razors, both dovos one from AOS the other from classic shaving. They both gave me great WTG and XTG shaves, but i dared NOT go ATG. Part of my gifts was also a naniwa 12k. so here comes my question. Knowing that i failed to shine a bevel past just shaving hairs on my leg, do you think i should attempt to polish a bevel set from Dovo factory. beyond that is a dovo factory bevel worth keeping?

I feel like after all i have done with straights i might be capable of polishing a perfectly set bevel on a completely straight blade. my stropping has kept a few razors shave ready sharp (and ATG worthy) for almost 12 months. Granted i only shave about 3X a week, i still think it is an achievement.

So if any any one with experience honing, can please answer the following two questions with as much detail as possible i would appreciate it greatly:

Is a dovo factory bevel worth keeping, and polishing or should it be reset?
What stone should i start out on, and is a pyramid too invasive for a dovo factory set bevel?

Last question:

I feel bad taking a new blade, and practicing by shaving metal/life expectancy off of it. Having the skills to strop, a blade into almost 12 months of life should i be able to do it?