Originally Posted by
carlmaloschneider
Probably not adding to the thread at all, but I use a Norton 4/8 and a Shapton GS 16k. I don't see any reason to go past the 16k. I think it's an excellent hone, but I lack experience of using other hones.
I basically use the Shapton as a barber's hone as far as I can tell, i.e. I use it for touch ups as well as in combination with the Norton 8k when needed. I'm a bit of a butcher and set my bevels with wet and dry 1000 (ish) wrapped around the Norton 4/8. Of course, I really should save up and buy a 1k hone...
Maybe if I bought a Shapton 30k and tried it I'd love it, but my edges settle in after a few shaves (and 30/70 stropping) after the 16k and get smoother.
I'd think maybe a 30k on the Shapton would actually destroy some of the milder steel razors I have (not possibly the Swedish razors) esp if 'overdone' i.e. too many laps.
I'm still really learning honing though, after a couple of years. It's not like I have a need to practice a lot...