[QUOTE=gssixgun;1179957]Just want to clarify here...

What you guys are saying as I understand it,,, is that an 8k (or equivalent) edge will outlast a 12k + (or equivalent) edge ????? say a J-nat or Gokuyama 20k or a Shapton 30k

I think that what is being said is:
A finer edge will by definition be more delicate, and will therefore loose its comparative sharpness quicker, though I would have thought it would get down to the 8 k equivalent sharpness after the blade sharpened to 8 k was no longer 8k.
How long does a 30k edge really last? As soon as hair touches it it will presumably start deteriorating, where is the point of diminishing returns. I am not by a long shot a sharpenist this is just my take on the logic being used