Thread: Questions regarding: Hones vs. paste and Shaptons

In keeping with gssixgun's maxim, here is my context:
I am new to straight razors and I need to be able to maintain my own razors. I have no interest in honing ebay specials, repairing major edge issues or taking a blade from butter knife to shave ready (all of that work is going SRD). I am looking to pick up a hone or two to touch up my own razors. So my thinking at the moment is either 1) Naniwa 12k and CrO paste, 2) Shapton 16k and 30k.

1) On Lynn's video the CrO on his counter indicates that it is 0.5 micron grit. The Shapton 30k is 0.49 micron grit. Does the edge that results from using either one differ that much since the grit size is basically the same?

2) I have read on other threads that Shaptons work best when you use them as a system. Is this true (it was mentioned in passing on the thread)? Or can (or should) I mix and match with other stones or paste.

3) Is it really a matter of personal preference? Some people like pastes and others don't? I have seen threads that indicate that the edge from a hone is more durable than from pastes. Is this true?

I have seen other threads comparing the 12k versus 16k, the overall merit of the 30k, numerous threads on pastes and the various "acquisition disorders" I need to watch out for.

Thanks,
Adrian.