FWIW, I like the results I have gotten from the DMT8EE. The hardness of the steel does tend to make it rough, but I have found that making the soapy water a bit soapier helps. Lately, I have been taping the spines, and that has improved the feedback significantly.

I have never shaved off it; I always finish on a UF or strop.

I did the opposite and picked up a Norton thinking I was missing something. I have not given up on it yet, but I will probably end up selling it.