Hi guys,

I want to talk hones and hopefully get some advice/opinions.

I have 220/1K Norton 4k/8k Norton and 12k Nanaiwa SS. I also have 400/1K Diamond Plate.

First what are the general opinions regarding the Nortons, are they highly rated or stones that nobody except new honers use?

I am considering a 600 Chosera, is it a regular start to a bevel set progression to 1K or is it a stone that's rarely going to be used?

Shaptons cost a lot more, what is the reason and are they some sort of super magical stones.

My Diamond plate was real rough on the 400 side when I got it on Saturday. I lapped my 220/1k Norton, corrected a stabilizer and actually tried honing on it and probably caused some nice chips in my edge.

The 400 has gone from really rough to really smooth, not what I would expect a 400 to feel like. Should I return it or is supposed to go like that?

Lastly, and I have asked a friend here what he thought so no disrespect intended, I am just interested in the general consensus.

When my razors start to pull a bit and need a touch up on my 12K Naniwa, is there any reason why I can't use my Trans Ark instead?