I have as of late figured out my Norton 4K/8K waterstone and am getting a very sharp and acceptably smooth shave from my razors. I have been looking at and considering a naniwa 12K as my next step up, but the purist in me is interested in natural stones as a finisher. many here talk about the endless varieties and there are just as many preferences. It seems that "HAD" is a real danger for me. But, I am just getting started and have several shaving related addictions to feed. As a result, I am seriously considering the natural finisher route. It seems that one can drop as much $ as desired on the various options available but I would like to purchase a GOOD stone for an affordable price. Being new at this and drowning in the endless posts about Cotti's, Jnats, Belgian Blues, Apache Strata's and Arkie's, I find myself wondering what the real difference is. What would be recommended as the next step from a Norton 8K that won't break the bank? Belgian Blues and Arkansas stones can be purchased for much less than the others but do they perform at the same level? Are the Jnats and Cotticules better or just more collectible? And then there are approximate grits.

Please help me clear this up and put me on the right track to a high quality yet affordable finisher.