Rookie question... For argument sake, lets say a given stone is in the 10 to 12K range. If the stone is used as received with a lapped 400 grit finish, and the other side gets worked and lapped to 600-800 or more, apart from the surface is there much of a difference is abrasion? Just thinking, the stone hasn't changed, it is still a 10 to 12K stone, that is smoother yes, but as far as its honing ability the structure of the stone is still unchanged...

I understand smoother stone/smoother finish, is this what it boils down to? The treatment the stone has received? Because the size of the abrasive has not changed.

AJ also cautioned me not to finish too fine, because of quartz being the abrasive, if its taken to fine it messes it up somehow? Thoughts?