Master the Norton 4/8K first before going to the C12K. The Norton is easy for newbies and will give you a decent edge. The C12K is difficult at best and gives most people fits. I gave up on mine and got a Naniwa 12K. The Nani's are easy to master like the Nortons, unlike the Chinese 12K stone. Go slow across the stone, keep it feather light, and concentrate. You'll get it.