I have a similar dilemma.

I have the Norton flattening stone (came with my hone set.)

I have a nice belgian combo stone on the way here
but the blasted flattening stone is not flat!

I'm tired of the "lap this with this, then lap this with this" crap, and tired of wasting a whole sheet of sandpaper on hones.

I want something that I can use for all my hones, and cut out the middle man. If you had the choice, which way would you go?

a)D8C

-OR-

b)Shapton Compact Lapping Plate

?

The only reason I am considering the SCLP over the D8C is I thought I read about the D8C losing its diamonds after a while. Obviously, I can get the D8C for about a 1/3 the cost, but I would rather make the investment in the SCLP if it will pay off in the long run. Advice would be appreciated!