I like the 1000/6000 waterstone. Was my first. I think its not necessary to buy a 4000/6000 stone. But I use my Waterstone only for razors. If you use it for other things too, be sure, that the stone is ever straigt, before you go with a razor on it.

My favourite stone is the Thuringia.

http://cgi.ebay.de/Thuringian-straig...QQcmdZViewItem

Worth every cent. But in Germany we can buy it for less then 30 $. This two stones where evers sufficient to hone very sharp razors.