I have had the same experience as AFDavis and Wildtim. the Norton 4/8K is all I've ever needed (although I do like to do a few strokes on CrO paste as a finishing touch). IMHO, if you can't get a great shave with the 8K then you need to change your technique a little. In the end, however, we each must do what works for us as there is not right/wrong in this.