Hi, I have been shaving with a straight razor for a couple of weeks, and I am completely new at lapping hones. I have found this to be a great site for information, but I was wondering if someone could give me some advice on lapping a lithide hone.
I just got a hone set from Tilly (the cushion strop, gem, and lithide) and have spent the greater portion of five days trying to lap them. I used 800, 1000 and 2000 grit sandpaper on a flat surface for the cushion strop and gem hones, and I think I was able to get a good surface.
However, I'm unable to get a smooth surface on the lithide hone. I read that it is supposed to have a "mirror finish", and it is still completely matte. 2000 grit is the finest sandpaper I can find locally, and I have tried it with lather and water, but I am unable to achieve a shiny finish. A lot of you on this forum seem to have the same hone, so I was wondering how others got them into good working order? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Richard