Quote Originally Posted by AFDavis11 View Post
I'm a little surprised by all these comments. I find the 8K plenty of honing power and I find that all hones cut too (although polishing is a great way to describe it).

I think in the beginning you'll get a better edge out of the higher grits though.

As you progress I think you'll find that an 8K and some effective stropping will produce a really nice edge on your razor. It just takes some patience.

Until then I think you'll enjoy all the suggestions though. They will all hone an edge very nicely.
This is the best piece of advice so far.

Just let me add:

By your description in your original post I would guess that you went a couple of strokes to far on the 8K and had a blade that was possibly a touch over honed. I wouldn't run back to the hones or anything, but see how it does for a few shaves, it will either improve or get much worse, then go back to your hone if you need to, you will only be a couple of strokes from perfect.

If you want to try something really cheap but pretty effective, order the CrO from Chris L. then apply a tiny bit to a thin pad of newspaper, strop on that to polish up your edge. It doesn't work as reliably as a dedicated bench strop or paddle but it can let you know if you are going to like what CrO does for your shaving edge.