Norton? Naniwa? Coticule?
I've acquired my SR, which came with a hanging strop (linen/leather combo). Shaved with it a few times, but because it is of a more antique nature, I find myself needing to touch up the edge on a hone.
I've seen a lot of play (who hasn't?) on the Norton 4/8K combo stone. I have a set of 4 Norton hones (220,1K,4K,8K) that I use on kitchen knives with great success. I am able to put a very usable edge on any blade with these along with a hand-made strop (a friend's handiwork). I assume that even though these hones aren't of a combo nature, they are of the same material/quality. Is this the case, or is the 4/8 combo stone that gets a lot of attention slightly different somehow?
That said are there opinions as to whether or not I should buy a separate 4/8K combo stone, distinct for my razor?
Additionally, I've read a little about the Naniwa 12K, and it intrigues me. I like the idea of an even finer finish to a razor than the 8K hone I use on my kitchen/pocket knives. Is it worth the effort to purchase and keep this additional stone?
Better yet, what about an all-mighty Coticule? Is this an improvement over the Norton and Naniwa stones? My one concern with the Coticule is how I purchase one. I live in NY, and would prefer to avoid international shipping costs if possible. Are there 'dealers' for this stone? Are they easy(ish) to find in the states?
Thanks for the help!