Well how many laps did you do on the C12K, and what had you done before that? Also, though the C12K is slow, it's also natural, so there will be variations in cutting speeds and finishes. I'd assume that using the slurry picked up the pace too. Oh, and who knows what grit the Pike might be; barber hones are quite a mystery in that regard.

I find that I can get great shaves off just my coticule, and I've shaved with JoeD's blades (he uses a coticule then 100 on a C12K with water) and those were amazing shavers. Not everyone needs a crazy high grit finish to have a great shave (but when you do have the crazy high grit finish it sure is nice).