Finally, a little success ...

[Yoda]

I've been struggling with honing ever since I gave it a try about three years ago. After setting down my dull straight razors for five months, I finally decided to give honing another shot. I finally got one razor to where it needs to be. The secret: resetting the bevel on a 1K. I was spending way too much time fussing with other stones without a proper bevel. I got a lot of great advice from this forum. Lynn's circle honing videos were invaluable, as were gssixgun's. Many thanks.

[Mephisto]

Yeah, a good bevel is primo. Without it all you are doing is polishing a turd.

[Proinsias]

Yeah, getting the best out of each stone is the goal. Getting a good edge off the first stone is the bare minimum.

[ccase39]

Should the edge off the first stone be sharp enough to shave hair off of your arm?

[Mephisto]

That is what I always aim for. If it is not popping hair I do not move on to higher grits.

[Pithor]

Should the edge off the first stone be sharp enough to shave hair off of your arm?

Simply put: yes. It means that the two plains meet properly at the very edge.

If you don't have a good bevel, it'll catch up with you.