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Personally I pay no particular attention to the scratches. I set the bevel until it passes the TNT and do 10 x strokes for good measure. Then I do the 4 /8 pyramid as explained in the honing section...

IME an 8k shave is smooth, close, comfortable. I get bbs with an 8k shave if I have done my part. Speaking of my skin and whiskers. Give it a try and see what happens. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Just a suggestion to check your sharpness..... hone a razor that needs it up to the 8k level and shave test. If you get a close and comfortable shave out of it go to your 12k and shave test following...