So... I have a DMT 1200 and think it's great. I have a DMT 8k and used to like it. The more I hone, and the better I get, the less I like that goddamn thing:

I DO like the fact that it cuts fast, but it really doesn't leave scratch marks like an 8k and it can gouge some of my harder razors, and that makes for more work on the finishing hones to clean up. Screw that.

I would really like to get a natural stone to fill that slot, but I don't want to use my coticule with slurry since it dulls the edge considerably, and that seems a bit like a backwards step.(I have done it more than a few times, and I still eventually get a good edge, but I can't help but think it's a waste of time.)


Belgian blue with slurry sounds about right grit-wise, but there's that damn slurry dulling effect again...

Tam O Shanter perhaps?

I got a chance to use someones Shaptons at the Mid-Mo get together, and they felt great. BUT, I would really like to have a natural.

I REALLY like my Nakayama from O_S, but he doesn't have any coarser stones on his site right now, so that's a no-go.

I also have a birthday coming up, so the wife is allowing me to spend some cash.

Any suggestions gents? I am stuck.