yep, if you were accidentally trying to set the bevel off the 8000k you will be honing for months. I'm fairly new to honing with a few str8's under my belt as well. If you truly want to hone it yourself, make sure your hones are properly lapped, and you use the 3000k side of the stone, with some patience and time you will be able to set the bevel.
The magic marker test is a great tool to use and has helped me considerably. A loupe or magnifying glass is helpful too.
Everyone has given great advice. My suggestion if you want to continue honing yourself, is go to youtube and watch gssixguns video's. He has great reviews on his honing work and I've watched his video's and they are very helpful. If you get frustrated put it down and think about it and then come back to it. Each blade is a little different and experience is key. These guys make it look easy because they do it so much.