Search:

The naniwa superstones are great hones IME. I use them most of the time. The nortons are real good too. There are things I like better about one or the other brand but overall the naniwas have come...

If it was me I would want to have option (a) to begin with and option (b) as an alternative or adjunct. The synthetics are easier to learn IMO and give consistent results once you get to know them....

Welcome to SRP. IMO the norton 8k would be fine enough but something like a naniwa 12k would be even better. A barber hone would be adequate if you get a good one. They don't make them anymore so...