i bought a tosuke from old_school not too long ago and used it for a little while until it got a bit dull. cash was tight but things have eased up as of now so i need some help on some things:

1) what side am i supposed to use? i tried it with both and didn't notice a huge different, maybe i'm crazy?

side a) http://www.badgerandblade.com/galler...p?imageid=5788
side b) http://www.badgerandblade.com/galler...p?imageid=5789

2) do i need a special hone since it is Japanese? i was thinking of just getting a Norton 4k/8k and be done with it...is a 12k really necessary?

3) i've read a few times that these razors need to be honed and stropped in a special order. something like 3 on one side, 1 on the other. what side needs extra honing/stropping?

thanks!