Initially, I got good shaves from the Norton 4/8 and better after finishing with the 0.5µ Cr203. I added a 12k Shapton and 0.25µ Diamond paste on either side of the Cr203 and was getting the sharpest edges a man could want. A bit too sharp really. The edge was weaker than I would like and not quite as comfortable as the 0.5µ finish. I've recently removed the 0.25µ from my regular practice and may, at some future point, see what relying on just the Shapton or the Cr203 to finish is like in the shave.

Honing is a bit like baking. Each baker has their own favourite recipes, their own prefered tools and their own little tricks. You've got to try them out to see what works best for you.

X