I have replaced my Norton 4Kx8K with a full set of Shapton Glass and have not regretted it. I have been using them about a month now and am really impressed. They cut the harder steel of blades like Clauss, Tory, Helji and others way better than the Norton. Don't get me wrong, I am not bad mouthing the Norton because it is an excellent hone and gets the job done. I just think the Shaptons are a cut [pun] above because they are faster, smoother and feel the same from the lower grits to even the 30K.

bj