I've got a set of Tilly's beginner hones - I actually emailed Tilly regarding the Lithide as I couldn't get that mirror like finish.Turns out It needed some more lapping ( I'm only a newbie so even lapping was a challenge ) once It was there I noticed a big differnce when using it , from reading the various threads I would summise it is possibly not unlike the black paste I here people mention for strops when passed a few times it gives you a lovely polished edge , however I did notice the slightest pressure on the blade will cause it to drag on the hone and the keen edge is lost ..
As I said Im only a newbie and I find myself spending most nights trying to develope my honing skills on some razors I've picked up on ebay ...
I've now got a collection of hones - Tilly's beginner set .. A Carborundum 102 , a Norton 4/8k and a Belgian Blue and a Yellow coticule ( the polygon ) , I'm still trying to find whats comfortable , so far I feel Im getting more control and better results with the little hones ..