Hi all, I only have a DMTD8C and a Chinese12K so far. My goals are to keep my current razors sharp and later sharpen factory bought razors. I've spent a lot of time reading the forums and below are the 3 setups I'm considering:

DMT D8C (I have one)
Norton 4k/8k $65
Norton Prep Stone $15
Chinese 12K (I have one)
C12K slurry stone $8 (if Zib still has any)
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$88 + shipping

Pros: cheap, gets the job done, used by many.
Con: not quiet the absolute best results (Although great results in capable hands and with the right pastes.)

DMT D8C (I have one)
B Blue 8x3 $70
B Coticule 8x3 $255
Coticule Slurry S. $24
box for Coticule $19
Chinese 12K (I have one)
C12K slurry stone $8 (if Zib still has any)
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$376 + shipping

Pro: Legendary and versatile Coticule. There's something special about having all natural stones.
Cons: Expensive, not sure what grit you'll get.

Shptn DGLP $284
Shptn 4K $55
Shptn 8K $97
Shptn 16K $99 (can buy later because I have C12K)
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$535

Pros: Room for expansion in both directions (1K, 30K), consistent quality and grit.
Con: Expensive. Spent all that money and still have Shapton Pro series envy (DRLP:$489, 5K:$82, 8K:$102, 15K:$129 = $802)

I know there are many more options but I stayed with what seems to be more mainstream and readily available. I'm also not considering pastes and Chomium Ox. at this point: I'm saving that for later. I'm leaning towards option 1 or 2. Am I on the right track?

Thanks