@PlasmaHH It's a false projection --- even with a 4000, it's damn hard to sharpen those things correctly, and 4000 isn't really fine enough. I have a 4000/8000 Norton Waterstone, and even then, it's difficult.
@PlasmaHH A strop is more of a conditioner than a sharpener. I suppose "finishing" is accurate. I have a a canvas strop and a leather strop, for right before I shave, and a diamond dust treated piece of leather mounted on a block of balsa for quick touch ups.
Lately, though, I go w/ a disposable blade straight from Feather. Good stuff, and I don't have to set aside time to sharpen.
@PlasmaHH Can you see the scratch pattern on the blade with a high-power loupe or microscope?