I had some knives that weren't too bad to start with, but working them first on a 3000 whetstone, and then an 8000, took them to a whole new level. For something a bit more blunt, I would start on a 1000 or even 400 grit and then work up. It took about 20 minutes to get them as sharp as I wished, but now they're where I want them, a regular strop and a light hone every few months keeps them on the money. Like you, I just watched a few videos, then concentrated on maintaining a shallow angle and keeping the stone wet.
Knife sharpening help