Yes its true that the blue works very slowly. I really don't use it that much. Its kind of like a 6K. I usually reserve it for problem razors that don't respond to the usual routine. Sometimes its just what I need and some razors just seem to like it better than the 8K Norton. I use my coticule all the time and though I've had to flatten my 4K many times the coticule is a flat as when I got it. Afterall its natural stone and harder than razor steel and I don't think it will show signs of wear for a very long time if ever. The ceramic stones are just particles epoxyed together so as you hone the particles just come loose so thats why they wear so fast.