Another great shave today! Looking forward now to another step of my learning ladder and the inevitability of me honing my own. I think I have almost decided on the next steps but, softly, softly, just run my ideas past you guys to see whether I'm playing by the rules.

Looking at the issue from a minimal needs point of view, I've concluded that something in the order of 4K, 8k, and 16k stones would take care of the problem (I plan to practice on some cheap razor metal in the first instance, just to develop technique). How does that sound? I know that I couldn't do better than to send my kit to a honemeister periodically but, hey, I'm in for the long haul...

If that's in order, the next question is product and availability. I can get a Norton combo fairly readily over here at a reasonable price, which would probably look after the 4/8k. Expert advice says go for Shapton but a) they're nowhere to be found in the UK b) ain't they a price? . I can get one (16k) or all three of them shipped from the US of course but there's the consideration of the proportional shipping cost. Do you know, I think I'm talking my way around to a Shapton set to get it all done in one job.

What do you think? Maybe I've set my heart on Shaptons and quietly think that this would be the best way to go. Is this flawed - will my early technique do them justice? Would I be better practicing on something of a lesser quality? I haven't lost sight of the fact that the stones will need lapping at some point - but a diamond lapping plate - eek! Is there anything else I might need? Quite an investment that I will have to justify. And the big one - does this sound like early symptoms of HAD?

Subjective, I know but all advice gratefully received. Thanks.