Hello Richard. I have had the DMT 8K and found out right away that it was rougher on my blades than I liked. It took a longer time with the next higher grit to get it as smooth as I wanted. The Shapton 8K is about the same price as the DMT 8K and does a much better job. The DMT 1.2K will set a bevel and fast but again it is very rough on your blade. The Shapton 1K is the same price as the DMT and makes a nice bevel setter. Shapton GlassStone Waterstones

bj