Shapton hones?

[Doc4]

I'm just starting to branch out from my Norton 4k/8k hone, to get a finer edge (being a bit of a honing n00b) and have heard good things about the Shapton hones. Are they as good as people say, and where's a good, cheap place to get them?

Thanks in advance ...

[rickw]

There is a set on BST

[ouch]

I bought mine from Korin, but they dropped the pro series/kuromaku line. Shapton has released a new series, the GlassStones, which is the bee's knees.
You can still get the older M15 series (one of the nicest feels of the Shapton line) and the pro series (a bit harder, not as much feedback, but top notch stones) from-
www.japanwoodworker.com I think they have the best prices.
www.craftsmanstudio.com has the best prices on the GlassStone line.

Both the GlassStone and Pro series need a stone holder. They're cheap. The pros come in a cute little plastic box that's great for storage but virtually useless as a stand. The GlassStones are bonded to a milled, tempered glass plate. The M15's are bonded to a wood base. Shapton has move to the GlassStones in part because when the pro series get very thin, they can snap, so you'll have to eventually glue them to something anyway.

All are top notch stones, so I'd just shop price.

[joel]

Personally - I say pass on the shaptons. They are good knife hones, but they've never done much for me, at least as far as for use with straight razors.

Of the entire shapton line, I would only really recommend the Shapton 16K Glass Stone, as it isn't too expensive ($90 or so) and puts a gorgeous polish on a razor. So far, my razors like the 16K more than the near $300 Shapton 30K glass stone I have.

If you're looking for something to use off of the Norton 8K side, my first 2 suggestions would probably be (in no particular order) a Chinese 12K, or a Spyderco Ultra Fine. Forget the Shaptons, as they are significantly more expensive - and while I do feel the 16K puts a superlative polish on an edge, and I think it's money better spent rather than on a Escher, the Spyderco UF and the Chinese 12K will give you basically as good a result for 1/3-1/2 of the price.

For $30... EVERY straight razor shaver should have a Chinese 12K.

[CloseShave]

Joel,

My question which spderco, i.e. med or fine, is best as a prep for the uf on new razors? Morevoer, have you ever just used a uf on a new razor and had good results?

Thanks

[joel]

Joel,

My question which spderco, i.e. med or fine, is best as a prep for the uf on new razors? Morevoer, have you ever just used a uf on a new razor and had good results?

Thanks

I've got over 50 hones... so when I have a new razor, it's highly unlikely I'll use just one :biggrin:

Seriously though - it totally depends on the razor. Most TI LE Hammers come shave sharp out of the box, so for one of those - a few swipes on the UF is all you need. On the other hand, I've have some new, out of the box dovo's and TI's that have needed a good run on a Norton 4K, or the like. With the three grades of Spyderco stones, you shouldn't need anything else. The medium is VERY aggressive, the fine is pretty fine, and the ultra fine is, well... ultra fine :wink:
:thumbup1:

[CloseShave]

I've got over 50 hones... so when I have a new razor, it's highly unlikely I'll use just one :biggrin:

Seriously though - it totally depends on the razor. Most TI LE Hammers come shave sharp out of the box, so for one of those - a few swipes on the UF is all you need. On the other hand, I've have some new, out of the box dovo's and TI's that have needed a good run on a Norton 4K, or the like. With the three grades of Spyderco stones, you shouldn't need anything else. The medium is VERY aggressive, the fine is pretty fine, and the ultra fine is, well... ultra fine :wink:
:thumbup1:

So, as a minimum you would recommend the fine and uf for a collection of new razors. It sounds like the med is necessary for restoring/repairing damaged blades. Will an edge brought up with a uf alone have less durability than an edge brought up with a fine/uf treatment?


Thanks

[joel]

So, as a minimum you would recommend the fine and uf for a collection of new razors. It sounds like the med is necessary for restoring/repairing damaged blades. Will an edge brought up with a uf alone have less durability than an edge brought up with a fine/uf treatment?


Thanks

Again - it depends on the razor. For some new razors, you'd need the medium.

Trying to hone a razor on a UF alone would be a major waste of time. It could literally take days...