This is the second razor that I have run into that has done this: as I am completing the away-stroke (x-stroke) on the 4k, and sometimes 8k, norton I hear a slight squeaking sound. I tape my spines, the stone is thoroughly soaked, and I had lapped it only one razor-sharpening ago. I switched to a 45 degree x stroke and it pretty much took care of the noise. I took a look at the trueness of the spine, and it may have a very slight bow in it, but not enough to see much light when a straight edge is held up to it.

On the sound: it is almost like the noise you hear when you drag a wooden chair across a hard floor at the right angle. It feels almost like it is skipping on the stone. Does anybody have any idea what is going on?