Hey all,

So my birthday is coming up next month, and my mom just asked what I would like. She even asked if I wanted any hones or razors! She knows me well. So I said I wanted a japanese hone. I don't know if I'll get one, but it's still nice to dream.

I get awesome shaves from what I have now, and I'm using razors that I've honed completely myself. As far as what I use to hone my blades, I use: norton 1000, 4000, 8000, then a coticule with water, then thuringian hone, either yellow/green or dark blue. I'm getting wickedly sharp edges straight off the hones now (took a while to get there) and find no need to use pastes anymore. That said, I think it's time I graduate to the big leagues!!

So my question is: what kind of japanese stone would you recommend to use after, or in place of, a thuringian? I've seen a few for sale in the classifieds, and I've checked out the ones that Old_School sells on his site. But to be honest, I have NO idea what the differences are between them all are! Only that they're all expensive...

Any suggestions? Thanks!