From my experience, shaving off the 5k is going to be ruff! The progression I use personally is the 4k/8k Norton and then the Chinese 12k, which is fairly cheap at $34 USD. I've read in the wiki and on other threads that you can shave off the 8k Norton but I've gotten better results with adding a 12k in the mix.

With funds being limited, you may look into a BBW/Coticule combo, from what I understand, these stones are very versitile when used with a slurry stone and will give you several options.

Good Luck.

Joe