It is a lot less than buying hones and a lapping plate. Theres a guy named seraphim who posts here. He obviously knows alot about this. You could get a dmt extra fine(1200 grit) to set bevels and then use lapping film from there. Get a piece of flat glass or marble/granite tile. Im only repeating what I have read. I have used al/ox lapping film. IMO it works. I have used it for touching up a few razors. A little more convenient, no soaking of stones and no lapping. And I keep the setup next to my shaving area. I got granite tile at home depot, they cut it into 3x6 inches for no charge so I have 4 flat bases for 5 bucks.I just had to use dmt to smooth the edge a little. Cut the film and your done.