Quote Originally Posted by Russel Baldridge View Post
I am one of the ones that really likes the D8EE (DMT 8k), I start on a D8E (DMT 1200), then go to the D8EE, then to some finishing stone (Chinese 12k is a great stone for the price) and the edges are the most consistent that I've ever gotten.

And yes, the D8EE will do the work of the Norton 4k/8k. you could probably use your paddle strop to do the final polish but a stone would be better (and would require periodic flattening).

If you take a pre-lapped stone and do a few lapping strokes with it on the D8EE the roughness goes away fast and you're left with a consistent, low maintenance, powerful razor hone.

Although, there are a number of barber hones to be had for pretty cheap. And when combined with a pasted strop, they're all you'd really need to keep your razors sharp. I use the DMT because I do a good bit of sharpening (razors, knives, chisels etc.) and don't like to fuss with lapping, soaking etc. if it's unnecessary.
so would I just use the D8EE, if I choose to go that route, and then either use a chinese 12k or my paddle strop. would that combo work well?