There is certainly a marked difference between harsh and smooth shaves, and the scientific description above pretty well sums it up. However, there are as many ways to get from harsh to smooth as there are types of razors, and homing stones/synths/methods can get folks there in lots of different ways.
For me, as a part-time, just better than noob honer...synths were my answer, coupled with a bit more time finishing. As an example, I find the Naniwa 12k a fantastic finisher, but to me the edges that come off of it can be a bit harsh. Once finished there, I hit a few strokes on pasted balsa (both chromium oxide and iron oxide), and then strop about 100 laps on the leather. That finishing process for me develops an extremely close shaving and smooth edge that seems to last.
BUT...
that's just my process that works for me. Natural stones play a very big role for advanced honers who can seemingly do all of that finishing process on one stone with various combinations of water/slurry. Like all things straight shaving, YMMV and different strokes for different folks.
One thing I will say...now that I can hone proficiently, the cost savings is nice, but the icing on the cake is being able to replicate the edge I like across all of my razors be they wedge, hollow, extra hollow, etc.