Originally Posted by
sharptonn
I cannot bear to read through all of this (tell me if I am wrong), but the Naniwa 10k has the abrasive finely ground in with the synthetic substrate and is a solid color as are the lower grits.
By comparison, the 12k SS has tiny dark dots all over it's surface. These are the actual abrasive in this hone, as I understand it. As they are harder, the substrate wears around them and they stick up. This is why you lightly lap the 12 SS properly after only a few razors. If you don't, it is a bed of nails, I think.
If you have not lapped your 12k, the 10k would definitely be better!
YMMV