+1 on what Spendur just said, the Norton worked to it's max can give a very smooth edge add a .50 Cr stropping and you should have a great edge... Keep in mind the Norton 8k can be pushed quite a bit, by how you use that stone.... Lapping it plays a huge part in this, lapping on 1k sandpaper or even lower creates a fast cutter, smoothing out the final lapping finish on the 8k creates a whole different feel and scratch pattern... Using the stone with water then letting it go to almost dry and a feather light touch will bring out a different aspect to the 8k also....
The best thing you could possibly do for your honing skills is continue to work the 8k until you get where you wanna be, then add a finisher....
JMHO of course