interesting... I just acquired the 16k GS. I too noticed the scratches on it after lapping (DMT 325) but only under
a 40x loupe. I lapped it again but very softly for quite a while....20 mins or so and the scratches were still visible. I decided to just go ahead and use it anyway on a pretty average stainless blade I got on ebay. First I gave it the norton 4/8k treatment and then straight to 16k GS.... followed by a few back strokes on crox balsa then strop. 50 linen 50 leather. The result was the finest straight razor shave I've had yet. I'm well pleased with the 16k finish. It might be too early to say but it seems to me to be a sharper and smoother finish than the nani 12k. not selling the nani yet though. lots more experimenting to do.