Thread: do I need a 12k ?

You can do well with a Norton 4k followed by an 8k followed by a stropping on a natural leather strop. If you want to go further, the cheapest way is a Shapton 16k. It's quite possible the chromium oxide is degrading the edge off of the stone. I have discontinued using it.

Another cheaper way would be the Naniwa 12K super stone that I got fom SRD. I've been using it now as my finishing hone on several razors, followed by a just few light swipes of cro-ox or diamond spray and bingo every time. I'm impressed and it's a joy to use. My Shapton 16K hasn't been used for a while now and neither are my fancy Jap. naturals and Eschers. Not saying they are obsolete. Some razors need a different approach and hone.
The only time I noticed a degrading off the edge when using cro-ox was when the paddle or strop had to much co-ox applied and or to many strokes were done. Less is better.