After trying all kinds of other stuff first, I've finally settled on a progression with Nortons and primarily finishing on a Naniwa 12k followed by CrOx.

I probably would have saved myself lots of headaches if I had just done it this way in the first place. (though I did get to play with LOTS of stones)

I don't do pyramids, I just step up when I'm done with each stone. I've got tests that work for me to tell me that I'm finished with each step.

If I were to change anything at this point: I want to try a Naniwa 1k instead of the Norton, as I've read that it doesn't cause as much spine wear on bevel setting.