Search:

No, 0.5 micron paste is more like 30k-60k grit (depending on which rating system you use).

One of my best shaves ever came with my big W&B frameback straight off the 8k. Nowadays I don't worry about it so much, since I've got some higher-grit hones to finish with.

You shouldn't be relying on chrome oxide to get "wicked sharp" although it will put a keen edge on the razor it's mostly a crutch, and an addictive crutch at that. You are much better off getting...