Originally Posted by
CrescentCityRazors
The benefit of a 12k stone or equivalent lapping film is that the precise flat triangular nature of the bevel, is preserved further into the honing process. You can of course use the pasted strop after the 12k stone, just like you do after your 8k now. FWIW I do not care much for any abrasive pastes or powder other than diamond paste, and I only use it on lapped and supported balsa. That setup works extremely well when starting with a 12k Naniwa edge or a 1u lapping film edge. I will get around to posting a tutorial here on SRP one of these days though I have written extensively on this on B&B and on my own website. Pastes can cause a very slight rounding of the apex among other things, and I have always felt it better to keep the apex as precise as possible, as far into the honing process as possible.But anyway, you will end up with a much keener edge by adding the 12k or else 1u film to your progression. I do believe it will make your honing and your shaving more enjoyable. I would not think of honing without one or the other. I have both and I switch back and forth as the mood strikes me unless my rocks need lapping and I just don't feel like doing it right then.
I will echo everyone else about the Naniwa SuperStone 12k. It does a fine job, especially if well lapped on a very flat surface. Yeah it is a few dollars over your proposed budget, but not by much. You could also go with 1u lapping film on an acrylic base, especially if you don't hone a lot of razors, or if it is very important that you stick to your budget. A proper acrylic plate (3" x 12" x 3/4" or thicker, cast acrylic sheet cut to order) from TAP Plastics will only set you back about $13 and film is just a couple bucks a sheet. Each sheet is cut lengthwise in thirds and each piece is in my experience good for about a dozen razors, or more according to some others, so at least 36 razors and maybe more, if you don't slice up your film while honing. By that it would seem that you can hone 1476 razors on lapping film for what the Naniwa costs. The Naniwa's cost is up front. The film's cost is spread out. The Naniwa should hone the same 1476 razors and still have some use left in it. I haven't really made a study of it but I am pretty sure I have honed at least 500 razors on my Naniwa 12k and the stone is only marginally thinner for it. Overly aggressive lapping will accelerate wear. If you won't use the stone 1476 times in your life, then obviously film is more economical, but we are really talking chimp change here. So it's all about the up front cost.
As far as effectiveness goes, 1u film on a nice flat plate is capable of a very very slightly sharper edge, but you would be hard pressed to tell the difference even in a side by side test. However remember that the plate does not wear, and always remains flat because the razor does not contact it. A stone does not remain flat and must be lapped periodically.
If you do not use diamond on balsa for edge maintenance, then you will be occasionally refreshing your razor on your finishing stone or film. Your other stones will only get used when you get a new or new to you razor, or hone one for someone else.