OK, received the Kuromaku's yesterday! (got the 1,5,8k) flattened the stones on some 500WD paper on glass, didn't take much as they were pretty flat out of the box (nice box ). Boy these things cut fast! haven't tried the 1K yet, the 5K cuts so fast I don't think I'll need the 1 K unless Ive got to remove some serious metal! after a few strokes on the 5K followed by 10-15 on the 8K the bevel was very shiney and clean, then polished it on my 12K" Tsushima Ocean Blue" then a few light strokes on a cr-ox leather paddle strop then stropped on the SRD red latigo strop and I'm in business!
Definite thumbs up from me on the Shapton Kuromaku stones! and I love the SRD Red Latogo strop!
Thanks to all for the wisdom and suggestions!