Thanks Rod, good idea. Is it safe to assume that you can feel the difference when the blade is moving across the stone? I envision the one you have that isn't as good feels like it has more drag, and the better one feels more like the blade is sliding across it. I am in the ballpark?

Thanks again to everyone for the input. This really is an awesome site with a bunch of great dudes.

Quote Originally Posted by rodb View Post
I've got two C12K's one is superb and probably 15k+ (putting a grit rating on nat stones is difficult at best), it is hard and shiny like glass and very dark, my other one is lighter grey and softer and will slightly improve an 8k edge. If woodcraft has a good return policy, buy several and keep the finest one.