I'm honing ('scuse the pun) on this comment:

"...I did notice that they shaved a tiny bit better when they came back from honing, but not substantially..."

So, we can probably discount a problem with the razor's edge. If you only got a slightly better shave after the honing then surely it's something else. Sure, you suggest the edge was better when fresh, but not substantially. And you shaved with one BEFORE stropping.

So, now we know (maybe, I think) that it's prep or technique. My opinion only :-)

{EDIT} or maybe your beard? I've seen a few posts where some guys just have a really thick heavy beard., what works for me may not work for you..