I was given a set of Shapton Glass stones for my birthday a while back. Its a 500/2000/16000 set and I really, really like them. That said, working blade/chisel backs from the 2k to the 16k seems to be a stretch. My first thought was to go with the Shapton 8k, but I found myself wondering if there was a better option. I do not intend to make a progression in normal bevel sharpening that requires an 8k (or equivalent), but will do a secondary bevel with the 2k and a tertiary bevel with the 16k. In the meantime, I have about 10 chisels that need the backs prepared, and Im sure to encounter more work for it.
So, Shapton? Norton? Equivalent other brand? I'm not hung up on having another 100 dollar stone…it could be any effective brand.