There is no sticktion with the lower grit stones.
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Maybe stiction is not the word for it but I definitely felt suction on my 1k when I was setting the bevel, and I shaved some arm hair off, checked under a loupe and it was set. The suction is what really gave it away for me though! Plus the magic marker test took all of it off of both sides so I was pretty sure that I was good to go!
just so that I don't look stupid when I say low grit you do mean 1k and lower yeah?
I don't have any perceptible indicator of being done. I test the blade as I go. But, I know that I know how to hone so I have no doubt about what I'm doing or why. I don't feel any particular need to know when to move from stone to stone. I don't mind doing a little more than needed.
One important epiphany occurs when you realize how few correct strokes it takes to hone. There isn't a lot of feel because you are already done by the time you would feel anything.
It really isn't a secret..
Make sure the bevel is well and truely set before moving on, did you know that 90% of the honing is done in the bevel set, honestly it really is all about the bevel...
I am not sure if it is clear or not, so I would say Bevel, Bevel, Bevel, once the bevel is set, honing is actually fun and pretty easy :)