Thread: Lapping Norton 4K/8K to get rid of "Grainyness"

Dear Fellow Razorheads. Have not honed a razor yet, but would like to try a dull Golden Monkey blade on my new stones, as it is not shave ready, I don't have any dull vintage blades and a Cromium Oxide Diamond slurry felt pad and a Big Daddy strop have not helped. Also, I noticed that one of the honemeisters recommends using a lapping stone on the Norton 4K/8k to get rid of the stones "grainyness"and am wondering if this is mandatory. FWIW, I have a Diamond D8C lapping stone, a Norton 220/1K, 4K/8K stone set, a Naniwa 12K superstone, a Big Daddy Strop, a .5 K Diamond Slurry felt pad, a Cromium Oxide Balsa Pad, a Bridle/Latigo leather paddle and a quality strop that will have the leather side covered with Chromium Oxide. I reaize that these Golden Monkeys are not the best, but supposedly can take an hone and be used. I just bought it as a practice blade to "hone" my sharpening skills FWIW, I have gotten a decent stropping technique down and have been maintaining the edge on my vintage Hamburg Circle and later production Cowboy brand Solingen blade. Lastly, I have not presoaked my Nortons but understand that a 15 minute pre soak is adequate. Any assistance greatly appreciated-Gearhead