I use. 10k superstone and go to the Suehiro Gokumyo 20k. I have sensitive skin but go alright with that combination, and I do use a Chromium Oxide strop. You could go from the 8k direct to the 20k, but in my tests I've gone from a superstone 8k, it may be a touch finer than the Norton. So for the cheaper and possibly just as effective option, the 12k Naniwa might be your better way. I only mention it as an option. Lot's of us start out with the higher grit Naniwa only to be tempted by the Suehiro at a later date. Good honing.