My Zulu and my experiance (and thats not much compared to a lot of guys here) i find the Zulu does a fine job of finishing. In my estimate, around the smae finish as around 12k. Not that you can put a grit rating on a natural. As far as better? I think that is all in the users opinion. Yes, it is a fine stone and works well, but is it BETTER than another slate? That is up to you. At some point i found a great edge from finishers, but going beyond that fine of an edge is hard to compare. Besides comfort.

Glad you got your stone. I do like mine. Ive used it dry, slurried, touch of soap, windex and just clear water. I cant say ive spent enough time to say what way was the best so far but it does put a FINE finish edge on a razor. Good luck and let us know your findings.

One things for sure, for the size and/or weight of the stone, its worth the money. I dont think anyone could ware thru one in a lifetime of honing. Thats one hard SOB! Check how flat it is. Mine was close but not perfect so i spent a couple hours laping mine a bit more. Took forever.