I have both. I prefer the Naniwa, but the Chinese 12k has served me well in the past. It works better with a slurry, and is less expensive. You can get a chinese 12k for very little money. It would be for finishing only or touch ups. 100 laps is the norm, and 50 laps with a slurry. I think when everyone starts honing they pick up a C12k and set of Nortons.