Hello Erik, the above posts about the shave being the best test is absolutely correct. I never could get a good shave on the Norton 4K X 8K when I first started and until I got a finishing hone it stayed that way. There are several finishers in the 12K to 16K range that work well. For a new straight shaver getting into honing I would recommend a two sided paddle strop with 1.0 micron diamond on one side and .5 micron CrO on the other. This will finish your blade to shave ready. You have the lower end covered with your Norton. Keep reading the honing sections and you will get a feel for it.

bj