How do you tell the edge is at optimum level at each step?

Quote Originally Posted by Joed View Post
Way too many laps on all of the tools you used. Congrats on your score! SOunds like you need to go back down to the 4k and work your way back up. The blade should be sharp after the 4k or what ever hone you start with. Everything after that is just polishing the edge and smoothing out the shave. CrOx and diamond past/spray should be 10 or less laps. Don't go by lap counts, go by results of your work. Be sure the entire edge is at the optimum level before moving to the next tool.

Good luck!