Synthetic progression and bridging the gap

Little background first. I have recently been shaving from my 8K Norton for a few weeks. I have blunted the edge and reset the bevel a few times on 4 separate razors and seem to be setting a good bevel and achieving a shave ready edge on a repeatable basis. (Note* I have not had the opportunity to hone a wedge or a large smiling blade yet). My next experiment is going to be using lather on the 8K, and will probably give that a go this next weekend.

My question is...... what next? I have been doing a lot of reading and am pretty well decided on acquiring a Suehiro Gokumyo 20k. While I am interested in the natural finishers, I would like to start out with something that has a more guaranteed repeatability (especially for someone new to honing). I really don’t know if I should be looking for a bridging stone to fill the gap between the 8K and the 20K. It’s said people make the jump and is very doable, just not sure. Would a bridging stone reduce the wear on the 20K in a meaningful (and worthwhile) way?

As always, your time and thoughts are very much appreciated.

I want to hear the answer by the more experienced honers.

The Norton 8k is at 3 micron. The Gokumyo is at 0.5 micron. It is kind of a big gap, and Gokumyo is a little too hard for raising slurry.
It can certainly work, but the stone will wear faster. But again it's hard, so, that won't be a problem. I haven't tried it, but it should work. A few more laps, or a stone in between? You have HAD or you don't.

Well, it's not a question of wether I will get more homes. More of When I start to play more. Trying to balance bang for the buck and long term viability. BTW, already blew the budget for this month so already have to hold off on the actual purchases..... :OT:OTNot to mention the government furlow. Lost a week of pay before I got recalled. With the budget cap hitting on the 17th, may be getting another extended weekend.

Hi MattCB;
The Gokumyo 20000 will significantly improve an 8K edge in 20 to 30 passes with very little chance of deforming the edge. This is a fast effective synthetic hone.
Mike

Modine, I saw the write up and evaluations on R+S. That is pretty much what convinced me to purchase it (soon enough anyway). Based off of the 20 to 30 pass comment, I will assume that I don't require a bridging (I'm sure it wouldn't hurt, but no matter).

Thanks for the advice.

That is the beauty of the GMN 200, you can use a Norton 4/8 and go direct to the 20K. Sure you can use an intermediate stone between if you wish. That’s up to the cook.:o
Mike

http://i.imgur.com/rpHmCaz.jpg

I don't have the 20k but will be getting one in the next couple months. I was advised by one of our resident experts that to get the most out of the 20K you should get another stone between it and the 8k. I already have a 12K SS and that is my intermediate gap filler for when the time comes. I've experienced the edges that it can produce and they are really nice. I'm looking forward to getting one soon.