okay, so i'm looking for someone to give me a crash course on the different japanese stones, maybe give me a few good links so i can read and do some research

more specifically i'm looking for something that would be suitable to use with a japanese razor(tosuke) (don't got one but i want to know what i would all need if i ever do...and i love the japanese culture)

the cost-saving alternative would be something like this:

packaging says it's 12k grit
http://www.geocities.com/eric_kluk/img10173012559.jpg

this is looks to be 12k grit (looking at the little yellow oval)
http://www.geocities.com/eric_kluk/img10581887510.jpg

this one looks to be the same one but mounted on a base
http://www.geocities.com/eric_kluk/img10581822867.jpg

all 3 appear to be shaptons. would these suitable? are all 3 the same or are there different kinds of stones from shapton?

looking to hear from someone with experience sharpening one of those suckers