So i followed lyyn's advice. I did 10 strokes on the 4k in increments of 10 until i could shave hairs fairly easily. then 10 on the 8 k. after i did 10 on the 12 k it as not sharp again. I'm thinking that my 12k stone is a piece of crap. it doesnt make a smooth sound when i use it and i think it is not toatly flat. i've never attempted to lap this stone. I have a pasted strop with 1 micron and .5 diamond paste. would either of these pastes be equivalent to the 12 k stone and work as a good finisher?