I have some questions about hones and pastes:

I am looking to find something to keep the edge on a straight razor. I am unsure about what level of sharpening stone to use. Should I get a barber hone or finishing stone, and do I need to add some pastes? I was thinking of getting a barber hone at Whippeddog.com or some other place.

I read the Wiki, but still am unsure about pastes. At Whippeddog they have 0.3 Chromium Oxide and 0.1 Ferrous Oxide. Would this be alright, or is this too fine? Any other suggestions? What kinds of material would I use as a base to apply this?

I also want to get a sharpening hones for my knives. There is a Lee Valley where I live (don't know of another place locally): http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/pag...71&cat=1,43072 They sell Norton and Japanese water stones (there is no brand name, so don't know the quality. The person I talked to said they were made for them). There is also Knifewear who sell Naniwa and Chosera. I think the ones at Lee Valley are more economical, but don't know if they would be better. Will probably be going to 1000 grit, so around 250 and 1000 grit for stones. Comments or suggestions?

I appreciate any advice. Thanks