My razor has yet to need it's first honing, so I've had plenty time to look at the ways people prefer to hone their own razors. A 4000/8000 grit Norton seems to the preferred hone from what I gather, at least for many people. I'd like to get some opinions about the need for some polishing strokes on a 12,000 grit hone before going to the strop. Some folks prefer this step, other think it's unnecessary. Personally, I'd rather skip buying a 12,000 grit hone unless I really need it. Thanks in advance for your advice.