Leech I understand the whole binary view paradigm. It will change trust me. It takes time to develop honing skill. A 4k to start off with to me is a bit much. If you are setting a first time bevel which seems to be the case in what you communicated you will be in for some work. The goal to honing is to get the two angles to meet at the edge. When those two angles of steel meet at the edge you have a good bevel. If the whole popping arm hair test works for you then use that test to ensure you have a properly set bevel on that razor. This means it is sharp enough to cut hair. I cannot use these tests I do not have course hair. A hanging hair test has never been the test for me and the honing of a razor. I simply started honing and shaving with them. Setting the bevel gives you the sharp. Going above that will give you a keeness on that razor for comfort. Set the bevel first then go to the 8k. I do not know how long you have been stropping, but improper stropping with pastes can round off the edge of your razor. This will happen faster than with just a proper strop because you have an abrasive on it. One variable at a time until you get the hang of what works best for you is my advice. Good luck Leech