Which CNTG Chosera set for EP?

[Eeyore1]

I'm trying to decide between the 5-pack (400, 1K , 2K , 5K, 10K) and 8-pack (400, 600, 800, 1K, 2K, 3K, 5K, 10K) Chosera sets sold by the CNTG. I use the EP for my carry blades (belt sander for kitchen knives). The most I want to achieve is push paper cutting. No need to whittle hair.

Any recommendations from experienced Chosera usres?

 

[Benuser]

I have the 400, 800, 2000 and 5000, essentially for use with kitchen knives. I sharpen freehand, if that matters. I never use the full progression, prefer jumps. The 800 is very versatile, as you vary pressure, mud, water you may obtain great results with it as a one and only. If I had to buy just two stones, it would be the 800 and 3000; with three, I would add the 400; with four, add the 5000 and, perhaps, replace the 3000 with the 2000. There is no practical reason to go beyond 5000 (or even 3000) as long as you don't hone razors.
I understand a reseller will push towards a very fine progression, but IMHO that doesn't make sense.
It could be that's my freehand perspective, though.

 

[Benuser]

Would you complain about the lack of bite after the full progression, don't worry: they sell as well strops with diamond compound to restore the bite. My solution would be to skip a few stones.

 

[grizzled gizzard]

I've been using Choseras, full size and EP size, in those 5 grits for several years, and I don't think more stones are necessary, but I do have a full size 3k, and an 8k snow white for the EP.

I added the 3k to do just as you describe, and go from 3k to 10k for refinement with tooth.

IMHO, 2k to 10k does not seem to be nearly as compatible. The 2k and 3k stones seem quite different. They feel different. The 3k feels smoother, or softer, or silkier. The 2k feels like you can really remove some steel, and I think the edges represent that.

I like the edge off the 3k better than the 5k, but if I want the full refinement of the 10k, I feel like it's much easier to obtain with the 5k.

The 3k to the 8k works pretty easily, and leaves a surprisingly refined edge.

I don't know why, but finishing with the 5k doesn't seem to work so well for me.

 

[mrdeus]

The most I want to achieve is push paper cutting. No need to whittle hair.

I have the stock stones for the EP and Chosera stones (1k and 5k + a finer Sigma) for freehand sharpening. For push-cutting newsprint a 1k alone is enough. I guess you could get a nicer mirror finish with a tighter progression, but the 5-pack looks tight enough to me. I'm no expert though.