So for now, just drop the Chinese from the progression, you don’t need it and it is adding nothing to your edge. It is just confusing the process because the grit is not as uniform as the known synthetic stones.

It is why we usually recommend learning on a pure synthetic progression. Once you can easily replicate consistent, keen edges, then consider experimenting with Natural stones as finishers.

As you have learned, few stone are as consistent and high grit as a 12 or 16k synthetic.

And that, it is not all about sharp and high grit, for razor honing, comfort plays an even larger part.

Keep experimenting, pushing your stones to their max potential… keep learning.