First of all I should say that I am about where you are with honing. I read through all of the posts on different stones on this site as well as B&B. After reading a lot I started to consider the DMT. I ended up getting it, and I have been very happy.

I finally got a shaveable razor out of an Ebay Dovo "best quality. I bought it for $10 a few years ago, and it always pulled. After 20 or so passes on the DMT, I stropped it, and shaved. I was amazed at how much better it was already. It still pulled a bit, but much much better. I followed with another couple dozen passes on my carborundum 101a (that I got at a flea market a while back), stropped again, and it's really amazing how much better it is. It still needs some work on the carborundum, and maybe a pasted strop is in order, but if it never got better than it is now I wouldn't complain.

The reasons the DMT came to the top of the list for me:
  • No need to lap the stone
  • No need to soak the stone
  • will last forever and a day, give or take a day
  • "Cuts like 4k, finishes like 8k," not my own experience, but if true this one hone will do everything the Norton 4k/8k does
  • No need to use a slurry stone


So I guess the low maintenance was a big deciding factor for me. Also, when I added up the cost of a Norton, plus the slurry stone, and the lapping stone it made more sense to get the kit for $120 that includes the bevel setter.

My DMT was $60 shipped. So for now I have a functional hone, and I save a few dollars.