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One cannot properly hone a straight razor and strop it without scales on it.

Utopoian is absolutely right. :chapeau

A Charnley Forrest can take 100x while a Shapton 30K takes only 2-3x. It also depends on the razor as they vary in hardness.

And there is your answer.

If you are experienced on the hones, you will know by the end of the honing process if a razor will shave well or not. You will also know what would be the best...

There you go right there, as any maker will have those corrected before shipping to a customer. Setting that first bevel is all about correcting all your errors in the final grind & my razor making...

I kind of get what you are getting at...I think. :hmmm:

When honing, you can tell a LOT about a blade and once you are done with the finisher you will know if will shave well or not...especially...