I have a Ti that I started with and was supposed to be shave ready , came with a signed seal saying it was honed, stroped and shave tested.

I got a strop with it and use it before every shave. Now I figured it was just me learning and maybe it still is but it really seems to tear and pull a lot and not really shave smooth. I cant shave more than a days growth with out pre shaving first with a DE.

I have since purchased a Dovo and that is no way shave ready , it is ten times worse than the TI

I assume this is not normal to really tear and pull to the level of uncomfortable and I can still shave way closer with ta DE

Second question, I have gotten a Norton 4/8k stone but now have read like everyone else that it needs to be prepped before I can hone a blade on it. I just ordered a DMT Dia-sharp 325 will this DMT work ok to prep the Norton ?

I have a 3" black latigo and white linen strop from Vintage blades. I ordered some .5 micron diamond spray, can this be used on the linen side of my strop or do I need something else for really fine edge work ? Should I have gotten a 12K stone ?

Sorry for all the questions, I really want to do this the right way and get a smooth shave I don't need to touch up.