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Sounds like a very solid plan,
do not forget you will need to lap the stone, with the way you are starting wet dry sandpaper would work,
but the DMT8C, Atoma or I-Wood for lapping is a good...

You can dull it gently on glass or by several other methods and work it back up.

This is quite advisable,
just make sure your practice blade is indecent shape as as well.
Honing on a blade with serious geometry issues is not a good way to start it can be very frustrating.

First welcome to the forum Marc :chapeau

It would benefit you greatly to read through the library especially the sections on equipment and maintenance....