My own method is to start with hypotheses first, taking into account shared effects among those who have come into contact with the device, cross analysis with like specimens, and individual material construction. Neutralising is the goal, but can something truly be neutralised if you don't understand it? Meanwhile, there are ways to, as you said, dampen the effects.

I'm happy that the comb pleases you. I do think it's not worth wearing in Mustinal's company. If you cycle your wearing of it with non-magical jewelery (or jewels with different effects), then it should, over time, help to sharper the senses you were born with, whereas wearing it every day might result in the opposite.

It does sound as if you're eager to do something risky, though. Even if it's thumping Evan in the sparring ring.