Glen and Smokintbird,

You both have valid arguments IMO. While the particle sizes are known, what isn't covered in the list (and can't be) is the "polish effect" of the stones. As it was said, the Norton 8K feels "smoother" than the 8K SG.

SG's add more scratches to get a smooth consistency while Nortons (and kings, pastes and nagura stones) "rub" the surface smooth with "softer" scratches.

I've been calling this the new school (Shapton) and the old school (Naniwas Norton, King, etc....) concepts. The new school uses a series of stones that quickly progresses by adding scratches, while the old school potentially uses less stones, but spends more time on each one in order to smooth out the surfaces.

As for me, I'm definitately in the new school camp.