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yes I would've thought that level of shine would have come from many hours and many strips of sandpaper.

How many sheets of 800 did you go through to get it to that level???

Yup i'd put at least two layers, maybe start with three when you're getting the bevel started. Then drop it to two and continue setting the bevel.

also when you say straighten the edge, do you mean it's got a bend/twist in the spine or the bringing the cutting edge in line by removing dings/chips?

Multiple layers of tape on the spine and get ready to remove a lot of steel.