Ray has it right...Skunk is referring to the pull through carbide sharpeners that actually peel steel off the edge. The silicon carbide in the Norton stone is just the type of grit (same type in a lot of wet/dry sandpaper)

And 2: I shouldn't have been so glib...when I say not paying attention to edge angle, I am...I am trying to maintain the edge angle of the blade, but if there is some slop, it's no big deal...the goal is just to plain down both sides until the apex is not reflecting light. Then the alternating strokes on each side at a slightly higher angle, well, that is what gives you the real sharpness and so there I try to be very consistent with edge angle.
Keep in mind that if you work significantly under the established edge angle you will have to do more work to plane down the two sides and get them to meet (but it will cut better but perhaps be less durable). Likewise, if you work above it you will be raising the angle and reducing cutting efficiency but making it more durable...both can be done, just depends on what you want...for now I'd stick with the established angle

3: I was doing both scrubbing back and forth and circles...whatever tickles my fancy...again, I am just planing down both sides of a triangle until the edge isn't reflecting light...at that point I can raise the angle and with alternating passes get a very sharp edge in anywhere from 5-20 passes per side total.

Here's a video that might help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4KdP5EAIO0