Quote Originally Posted by texan
Thanks for all the advice, very helpful. It sounds like the 8K Norton would definately be an improvement over what I currently have both in terms of speed and quality of edge. But it also sounds like to get something "wicked sharp" you need something above the 8K, whether it be a barber hone, pasted strops, or a super expensive high grit stone. My new question is if I can go straight from my 6K stone to one of those three options, or if I really need to hit the 8K stone first. I must admit that I kind of like the idea of barber hones, but I have seen on other places on this site that barber hones can be quite iffy when it comes to quality. What are your thoughts?
If you're getting a decent edge from the 6k then I'd say you're close to home. I actually find the 4k instrumental in getting some nice teeth. I don't know if I'd say it's the most important step, but certainly one of them. The 8k refines that nicely for me and although I do like to do some work to get it a little keener it is only a very little amount on the higher grits. Perhaps a few passes on some 1µ or 0.5µ paste is all you need. I remember reading recently about someone who went from a 6k to a few passes on a 10k for refinement and was getting good shaves (can't remember who). A lot depends on you and how you relate to your equipment.

Something to consider though: I like to think of the edge as having a depth of layers. Each successive grit cutting into the existing pattern. As a visual representation ...

4k = AAAAA
8k = ^^^^^
12k = """""
4+8 = A^A^A^A^A
4+8+12 = A"^"A"^"A"^"A"^"A

Too much work on a higher grit will erase the work of the lower grit. I don't think that is beneficial. I'm going to trade in my 10x eye loupe for a 25x to see if I can literally see if I'm right.

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