I think you are right RE: the 600 grit stone.

It seems to be so far a pretty good stone for working out small nicks and setting a bevel... but I am needing something in between.

I have been lucky so far with most being able to get a bevel and hone out this way...but I do have a few blades that I havent been able to get a good edge on this way.... and have been excluded from rotation because of it....

The finish out I think is great doing things the way I mentioned... gettin there....well... I have a missing link.

Guess Ive been reluctant about shelling out the bones on the honage.