Before I hone any razor, I lap all the Norton wet stones. The 1k, 4k and even the 8k are lapped with the Norton lapping stone. I make sure they are flat, clean and very wet before honing. So far the results have been very sharp, even and shaveable edges. My only experience in honing has been with the Norton wet stones. You think I am lapping to much? Do I need to lap that much? Every time? I can see when the stones are new and you want to make sure they are flat before honing. Too much lapping. Juan.