Grit Nomenclature Question

**sportshoes** · 05-03-2012, 07:13 AM

Hi. I'm curious about the grit designation of various sharpening stones. I have a Norton 1000,4000,8000. I also have a shiageto 1500 and 600 benchstone. The shiageto 600 is probably smoother and the 1500 is definitely smoother than the Norton 8000. At least that's how it feels to me. The shiagetos feel almost like porcelain. I don't use the the shiagetos, but I was just curious if anyone could explain this to me. Are these sharpening stones not comparable? Can these be used for straight razors.

Thanks

**ouch** · 05-03-2012, 07:24 AM

Shiageto means fine stone. I don't think it's a brand.

**sportshoes** · 05-03-2012, 07:27 AM

That is correct, I think the brand is Boker. Shiageto means finishing stone I think, but why are the grit ratings so different. Compared to the Norton I'd say these stones are probably 8000-12000.

**PapaFish** · 05-03-2012, 07:30 AM

Trying them would be the test. I would guess that your 600 could be used for heavy removal, and the 1500 could be used after the 1000 Norton. This is assuming that the 600 and 1500 are "grit" ratings in the first place. There is really only one way to find out, and that's to try. If you want me to try for you... :)

**PapaFish** · 05-03-2012, 08:07 AM

Check out post 29 in this thread, http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...it-Graph/page2 Even on the FEPA-F scale, 600 would be about 9.5 microns (about 2000 grit American), and 1500 would be 2 micron (about 10,000 grit American). If they run in the 8K and 12K region, the numbers may not be a grit designation at all.

**sportshoes** · 05-04-2012, 12:13 PM

That's really nice. Thanks. That makes more sense. I think I'll stick with my Nortons though.

Much appreciated

**PapaFish** · 05-04-2012, 12:25 PM

How large are the stones? If they are big enough to run a straight on, and they are smooth, you should be able to hone on them. You may want to consider trying following the Norton 8K with the 600 and see if there is an improvement when shaving. Then, follow on with the 1500 and see the improvement. If you are truely 100% satisfied with the edge off the Norton 8K, maybe you don't need to try, but I would wind up trying just because I had them on hand, and I couldn't stand not knowing if there was a greener pasture just an arm's length away :). You should post a picture so we know what you are working with.