Well first of all, thanks to everyone for all the responses and knowledge. Particularily Jimmy and Glen. I think that Jimmy probably was right in that the razor was simply not ready to move up to the 16k.
After yesterday's shave off the 8k I went back to the hones ( knowing that I could get a smooth shave off the 8k - thus being ready to move to the next grit). I did a few laps on my Shapton, stroped and waited for my hair to grow. The shave today was back to perfectly comfortable.
Also to any newbies who happen to be reading this thread. I would follow Glen's advice and not use the HHT at lower grits. From now on it's shave testing for me. Thanks again guys.