I have used the Naniwa super stones with a 3/5 pyramid and shave tested. The results appear to me to be equal to a Norton 4/8. I have done this with two ebay razors so far. I have further refined the edge with the 8k and gotten a slightly smoother somewhat keener edge. This is with the Naniwa superstones.

Ron has my Shapton pros and is going to try pyramiding the 2/5 (they don't make a 3k). So if my suspicion is correct with the pros the 2/5 will yield similar results. I know that with the pros when I set a bevel on the 1k I used to really like to follow with the 2k. I really liked the performance and feel of the 2k.

Following that I would do pyramids on the 5/8 and it seemed to take longer than it would have with the Nortons. Had I been using the 2/5 instead I think I would have been pleased with the results. I think that would have been the way to go with those based on the grit charts.

Whatever the label is on a hone be it 4k or 8k the size of the microns would determine the performance ....... wouldn't it ? I know Tom (jendeindustries) mentioned the shape having an impact and I am sure that it does. All we can do is try them and see what works. I am completely open minded to that.