Where I am after five years

#1 With very few exceptions, the razor doesn't much matter. Barring Pakistani (or other identifiable) junk, or poorly ground/tempered blades, you should be able to hone each one to at least 99% of your favorite straight. Unless you have a great affinity for particular styles (8/8, Wedges, etc.)

#2 The (final) hone doesn't (with some exceptions) matter. More exceptions here though. Nani 12k, Gokumyo, my Escher, half of my coticules -- I can get 99% out of any good blade. This means some of my coticules, and other "finishers" e.g. PHIG are inferior. Of course, experimenting will identify the exact best stone for that razor to get it to 100%, but it's a very marginal thing.

Other experiences?

Only two years under my belt so far. Defiantly need to work on a lighter touch with the strop. When I'm zoned in it's no problem, but i's a 50/50 thing. Will be interesting to look back on another few years.

Yeah.

#1 seems to resemble my experiences too.
Well, I'm not quite sure about the 99%, but I'll go as far as 90-95:)
It seems to me that grind, size, profile, balance and weight affects the end result more than make or steel in properly made straights.
That is, in relation to my personal preferences.

#2
Again, I would agree to this, to an extent.
There are finishers out there that performs better than others.
No doubt about that in my mind.

Also, personal preference and experiences with various edges seem to influence what stones people prefer.
We have all read the "Coticule smooth", "Synthetic harsh" and "JNAT-bliss" statements for years now.

Personally I have a definitive pecking order among my various finishers, but most any of them will provide shaves well enough, given proper usage.

#1 After three years, I wouldn't say that all straights are equals. At least even if you can make shave-ready almost everything, the edge won't stand the same if the straight is a junk or if it's a vintage / new one of good quality.

As said Birnando, the profile and balance are important, and for exemple, for the Gold Dollars, the balance and profile are far from being constant, and it can be more difficult to bring them shave ready than other straights, and they'll stay shave ready a shorter time than "normal" straights.

My personal thoughts :shrug: