On the Grizzly, I save the hones for when I’m honing the final edge. I use a file to remove the initial amount of excess hard steel needed to form an edge. Easy task with a great file, but a hard task with a junk file, poor technique, or using a hone to set the bevel.
The copper brazing technique used will often leave an excess of build-up on the flats. I generally remove this excess on the flats and I dress the bevel backside completely flat before I begin work on the bevel. I use an Ashby style file to set the bevel holding the desired angle until the bevel runs all the way to the edge for the length of the cutting surface. I then change to a less aggressive file and develop the edge until a burr is formed running the length of the edge. At this point, I can either remove the burr and develop a great edge with light strokes from the correct file by building a burr from the bevel side followed by removing the burr from the back side. Or, I can develop an insanely keen edge by switching to the hones using the same technique. I always finish the edge with cardboard.
But as to the backside, I ensure it is flat and even first, and then I’ll go to it again later to remove the burr I’ve raised the length of the edge. You must use the correct tools for the task unless you desire to chase your tail in circles.
Best