I used to use either a Nagura stone or a Coticule rubbing stone on the Chinese 12K, the Coticule and the Escher. More and more I have found that when I come off the Norton 8K or the Shapton 8K, that there is a pretty well polished blade with some striations. I have much greater success in using these stones just with water. The UF is still a mystery to me. Works sometimes with around 30 strokes and on other razors, nuttin honey. The 16K Shapton is pretty good by itself, but sometimes a paste might help afterwards.

Have fun,

Lynn