+1, IME even if you're using the exact same everything the individual honer is enough of a variable to get completely different results.
Printable View
SRD sells a 4k, 8k, 16k as a set.
I imagine those guys know a thing or two about what works...
I guess there isn't supposed to be, I think that the posts about the doubling are correct as far as Shapton is concerned, but I still use a lapped spyderco UF after the 8k. I also use it after the 16k, which I admit is odd, but it seems to work.
As was mentioned the grits are different for hones and pastes and they are different between brands of hones. The CrO does improve the edge for me after the 30K Shapton. The CrO smooths the excellent sharp edge which I like. Some folks like the edge straight off of the hone but that is an individual preference. bj
You can skip the 16k entirely and go from the 8k to the 30k. It just requires more laps.
I really think you can do just about anything on an individual razor and eventually get it to work.
If you are looking at consistency with a bunch of razors, then going from the 8K to the 16 sets up the edge for the 30 or final polishing.
So many variables........
Lynn