I've been lurking for quite some time and I'd like to say what a welcoming and informative environment you guys have created here at SRP. I'm getting more and more interested in honing my own razors and I am looking for the ideal setup, regardless of price. Also, I want a few extra hones to play around and experiment with to get a better feel for what I really like. Right now, I am thinking of buying the Norton 4k/8k (Thinking of substituting the DMT 8K for the Norton, opinions on this would be much appreciated), a DMTC for lapping, a Chinese water stone, a shapton 16K glass stone, and a few paddle strops for diamond pastes and chromium oxide. That being said, I am really interested in the Belgian coticules, the vintage eschers, the Thruingians, etc. As of now I am thinking my progession could be Norton 4K/8K, Chinese water stone, Shapton 16K, and then pasted strops if I want to take the edge further (Please correct me if this is a flawed progression). I am not adamantly against just going for an entire Shapton glass stone progression, but I feel the abpve setup would give me more options and experimenting capabilites. Also, I am intrigued by the Shapton 30K, but feel it might have little utility becuase I'm unsure if I would want a blade that sharp and even if I did I feel it could be achieved with the pastes. All opinions are welcome. I can't wait to hear some replies.