I know, this is sharpening thread number 1000...

Hopefully this one won't be controversial. Today, I use diamond plates and a Shapton 15k finishing stone. My normal process is medium diamond, XX-fine diamond, then the 15k. If I'm just refreshing the edge, I may skip the medium. I use an 8" grinder to create a hollow and then add a secondary bevel for the working edge.

I'm considering moving to water stones completely. Some folks go from the 1k (or there about) directly to the finishing stone, others have at least 1 intermediate step. If I do buy water stones, I really like the the Shapton pro stones. the 15k is my only experience but it works well and I do not want to have to soak stones. Splash and go means I can sharpen any time with no setup and this is crucial for me.

I'm really interested in what stones and grits others use in their typical chisel and plane sharpening and honing. I'm also curious why you do or do not use a middle stone or why you use particular grits.