OK, now I'm stumped. I thought I was getting great shaves off of my 12k Chinese waterstone, but now I'm getting incredible shaves, and I don't know why. I just started experimenting with my NOS Edlis barber hone. Using it wet (water, not lather), I got such a great shave with my hard to keep sharp Dovo, that I tried it out on my antique Gevoso which was in need of a touch up. I also used Chromium Oxide to finish, and I couldn't believe what a close, smooth shave. WHY? 20 laps on the Edlis and the same amount on the chrome bench hone, and wow! I know enough about this sport now to not get wrapped up in grit size, but a med-med fine barber hone out does my 12k Ch.?