Hey Ron,

First of all stop cutting paper with your razor as a test of it's sharpness. As a rule it shouldn't be used to cut anything other than hair.

Next, the truth is you don't really need anything higher than 8k to get a comfortable shave. Anything higher is just icing on the cake. Above and beyond the 8k level your cheapest options would include:
-Barber hone
-Chinese 12k
-Pastes

You'll need a lapping stone to flatten your hones as well. You may also consider sending out your razor to be professionally honed - then all you need to worry about is touching up the edge every now and then.

Cheers,

Ryan