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I would rather have an uneven bevel than a dull razor. I don't care that much about spine wear either as the razor has to shave first.

IMO that's because your bevel is really set and that's the first step in the whole process. After the 4k its just polishing. I used to hone them flat until I found different strokes that would find...

I would try a different stroke than a straight lap. X stroke, or 45 degree heel leading. Vary it until you can get the whole edge honed. Either that of keep honing it flatter until you have contact...