I'm shopping for a new finishing stone, and mostly realize the variety and differences among them: natural or man made bonded with resin metal or glass, resulting in different slurry, speed, feel and durability. So after the Norton 8000, I am looking at items from Shapton, Naniwa and Suehiro.
Shapton Pro Cream 12,000 $70. Shapton Glass 16,000 $130. Naniwa Super Stone Ebi 20mm 10,000 $85. Naniwa Chosera 10,000 $275 (gulp!) Suehiro Gokuma (w/ base) 10,000 $150.

Well, it's not just the money but it does matter which is why I can live with Norton 8000 instead of going to a Coticule. But it's tough to decide as I could get both the 12k Shapton Pro and the 10k Super Stone for the price of the 10k Suehiro. The Shapton Glass is reasonable but is going from 8 to 16k too much of a jump?

I recall Lynn thanking Sam for an oil stone but can't remember what that brand was. Anyway I won't mind a boat load of advice from the crew here before I go overboard. Stay straight Y'all