Quote Originally Posted by dinnermint View Post
#1) I would say my naniwa 12k fits the bill, but I have been considering looking at higher grit finishers.

#2) I would say my 5k naniwa with 12k naniwa. I had success the only time I tried it, when I wasn't paying attention and skipped my 8k. I would pick it because I am sometimes tough on my edges and would want something that can overcome minor improper stropping chips. This of course assumes 2 and only 2 hones forever, of which I am and will be eternally inable.
This is where I am today... a 5K or 8K plus 12K naniwa perhaps using the Pyramid method
if I let a blade get too dull. Learning when to hone is harder than I thought.

I have been very happy with my 8K Snow White naniwa combined with the Naniwa 12K.
I like the mirror polish the 8K SWN gives.

I suspect any quality 10K-18K hone used with half as many hone strokes as many think are needed
will keep a well honed shaver shave ready.

I like the Norton 4K/8K(work horse) but the 12K finish is an improvement that I do like.

Shapton 10K and 16K seem sharp as heck but harsh and I need
a pasted strop to calm them down. I suspect I should use half
the hone strokes I use on a Naniwa. I think ShaptonGlass hones
are better than I am and less forgiving.