Without seeing it in person or knowing exactly what you are doing, I'd suggest the likely culprit would be the bevel setting - at the 1K stage. I know you say it cuts hairs at this stage, but it's how it cuts the hairs IME that matters. I'm probably of little use to you in this case because I tend to assess my 1K edges with the wet thumb nail test rather than arm hair, so I am not as up on how it should feel as others may be. Hopefully they will see this and post.

Having said that, a lot of the pro honers have higher grit for finishers than 8K. So perhaps what you are feeling is a less-smooth edge rather than a less sharp edge.

What is the paste you are using on the strop? CrOx?

James.