Read, study, despair... then talk to an expert
I loved Jimmy's irreverent post. A couple months of reading all over, and coming back to: its FM (F*ing Magic).
Some of the stones are pretty. But what I read says looks don't matter, Name don't matter, strata don't matter, and just when you think you have it - someone says it's all wrong. Utterly baffling.
Maybe due to density between the ears, I went to what should have been 'plan-A'. Find the expert. I'm in the process of buying from Mr. Yamashita. Every good thing you read about him is true. 'A totally wonderful man - the kind you'd be proud to know whether you or he had anything to do with razors or stones. 'Would love to meet him over Sake with Onimaru & Johnmrson.
I expect a protracted learning curve, but one thing Mr. Yamashita said that was most encouraging. Using a good stone will increase your skill - without your noticing it. 'Sounds too good to be true, but I'll let someone else argue with it.
Why mess with it? I'm getting very pleasing edges off the humble c12k. What's not to like? An then I had to go any get a blade that was finished on a very nice Asagi, by Riooso. He asked why kind of edge I prefer. I like smooth more than ultimate sharp. The edge he delivered was not at all normal. One wtg pass and a bit of normal fussing w/ difficult concave areas - a 10-15 min. 90% shave for a guy that normally takes an hour. (2/3 of the time is spent on difficult areas - trying to conquer them). The blade just does NOT want to cut flesh. It's just not normal. So the jnat infection was planted.
I'm told HAD is much more severe than RAD. I'd rather sit that one out. I don't have the budget. I'd love to know how many stones and how many dollars guys have spent finding the right jnat. I fear the quest can stay infectious longer than I can remain financially solvent. That's why I want to work w/ Mr. Yamashita, and not have to buy and sell rocks until I'm happy. So far - no one has written that they've been disappointed w/ a rock from him. I can't wait to get my hands on that stone.