I recently got a set of the Naniwa Superstones--200, 400, 1k, 3k, 5k, 8k, 10k, and 12k. I realize that most say that each progression can be a doubling of the grit size but I really like what I am getting from using these smaller steps. Anyway, I've tried going from both the Norton 8k and the Naniwa Superstone 8k straight to the Asagi. When I do that, I get very little feedback. If I instead do 5-10 passes on the 10k and 5-10 passes on the 12k before the Asagi, then that is when the edge strongly sticks to the stone.
I liken it to the way two hones stick together when you rub them under water. They stick much more strongly when the two hones have lapped each other to smoothness. It seems that when my edges are more polished that they stick more strongly when honing on the Asagi. I have come to believe that I can pretty well judge how well honed my razor is by how well it sticks to the Asagi.
I first noticed this while using the superstones and I've been so happy with the effect that I've barely picked up any of the other hones for the past few weeks. I haven't really adequately tested this yet with using coticules or eschers as the intermediate but I suspect the same effect will occur.