It is not surprising that a razor finished on a 4k waterstone further refined with CRO2 would give a more pleasant shave than a cartridge razor. This is true for me at least, for just under 3 years ago I was using only a Belgian Blue whetstone, which albeit a natural, is said to impart a 4K level scratch pattern. I actually believe it is greatly affected by the hand using the stone, not the stone itself, meaning that one more proficient with a hone than another could achieve a superior edge with a coarser hone than that other, ceteris paribus, again depending on the difference in ranges between those two hones.

When I first began, Steve the proprietor of The Invisible Edge advised me that he preferred the edges left by hones rather than pastes, but qualifying that it was largely personal. I have always been one for the hones. Notwithstanding that I have very little experience with pastes, 100 laps on CRO2 does seem rather alot from what I have read about them, but if it got you an edge that you were pleased with, congratulations, and it should only get better.

I would try and acquire a finisher such as a Barber hone, coticule, Naniwa 12K and see which finish you prefer. If you do go for a synthetic, check it is no more than double the grit of your 4K, or you will need an intermediate.