Ok, I gave it another shot this morning. I started from scratch, with NO tape, on the 1k. I just ran my normal routine, and I didn't do any testing at all. I just did my 20 circles, 20 strokes, flip and repeat.
I worked it up to the naniwa 12k, polished it 10 strokes on a crox balsa paddle, and stropped it. 100 felt, 100 leather.
THEN I tried the arm hair test. Hair flew off, literally popped and launched 1/2" away.
Now, I tried several sections of the blade, and found that the toe is not quite as good as the rest of the blade, but it still removes hair.
I used a very light touch the entire time. At times I put a little extra torque towards the heel, but that was it. It pushed water nicely so I didn't bother with anything fancy, no TPT, no TNT, just waited until the progression was finished.
It appears to have worked for me. As onimaru77 said, the spine wear was uneven toward the center, being more worn in the middle, which would seem likely since it had a frown when it started. So on my honing stroke, I used a rolling X, but a gentle rolling X with the emphasis on the heel. I'm not sure if I should mess with the toe again? or should I just shave test it and see what I have?
I read the link you suggested and found my example. I was going to do the partial taping of the spine in the worn area, but then just thought, give it a try without any tape first. It seems to have done ok. At least to this point that is what I believe. Again, I"ll have to shave test it today and decide.
Thanks again for all the help and suggestions. Learning is a challenge and a reward!!
M