Howdy!
I've been thinking of getting a better finishing stone for a while now.

My current setup is;
king 1/6k (only use the 1k side)
Norton 4/8k
Chinese 12k
Chrome ox on leather

I get good shaves off this setup, but I may have joined the pilgrimage to the "perfect shave".

I had decided on the shapton 16k, and was going to order one as soon as I had the expendable funds. Then the other day I saw a pro 15k at a B&M store and almost bought it on the spot.

My questions are;

1- Is there much of a difference in the edge off of these stones?

2- Are there differences in maintenance? i.e. more lapping?

3- I know that the consensus is that the difference between the edge off of a 16k is better than the edge off of a 12k. Would there be a noticeable improvement going from a Chinese 12k to a 15k pro?

After shipping costs they would be nearly the same price. The only difference would be the instant gratification (I could use it today ) and supporting a local business.

Thanks SRP!