Moving From Stone to Stone

There is an antique shop that I stop into occasionally, near where I work. They don't have razors all that often, but I hae bought a few there. I haven't gone in for a while but lately, it's been calling my name. Like Ulysses' sirens, each time I walk by it bekons me, taunts me, promising that there's a fine razor within. Yesterday, I gave in. I walked in, started down the aisle and there in the second case, was a nice little razor, just as promised. The sales were clean and uncracked from what I could see and the spine showed virtually no wear. When the salesgirl took it out of the case and I opened it, my heart jumped. It was a Dubl Duck in great shape, clean, no rust, no pits. The only thing I could find wrong was the presence of some very fine nicks on the edge. I'm sure they'll hone out but with my lack of experience, I thought I'd seek the wisdom of those more practiced than myself at the art of honing. My plan is to start with a 1,200K, move to 4,000 and finish with 8,000. My question is, how do I know when to move on to the next stone? Do I need to have all the nicks removed before going to the 4,000? I think this can be a great little blade if I can manage to not ruin it.

If it were mine I would do circles on the 1200 (with tape - but I always use tape) until the chips are gone, then circles and x strokes (reducing the pressure as you go) until you have a good, even bevel that will pop arm hair easily, then move on to the 4k.
From my modest experience, I find that I can feel when it is time to move up a grit - the blade just feels smoother on the hone.
When I get to this point I usually do about 5 laps with very light pressure and see how it feels - if it's still a bit 'rough' I do a few more.
Have a look at gssixguns youtube videos when you can (he explains it better than I can) and you will get the idea.
I hope this helps.
Hang on and enjoy the ride

Move on from lowest grit as soon as nicks are gone. To tape or not to tape: that is the question. I never tape.

your best bet would be to get a ebay razor to practice on. also use tape to avoid excessive spine wear.

If you are familiar with the size of the "nicks" from the hone that precedes the 4k, once the nicks are honed to the same size as that pre-4k level (homogenous nicks) then it is time to smooth them out. Really just hone out the nicks and use a microscope, if you have one, to learn when to move on to the next hone. Probably a good idea to use tape if you're new to the honing game.

Thanks for the advice, guys. I'll keep you apprised of my progress.