I decided to dredge this thread up from it's watery grave, rather than start a new one........ just because! :D
I'm now the happy owner of a set of Shapton Glass hones, 2k, 4k, 8k, 16k and I got them on the group buy over at knifeforums.com. Dave of DR sharpening aka
Japanese Knife Sharpening put the deal together and now carries the lineup, just like the Hand American stuff and his prices are nicely discounted.
I flattened the glass hones on my D8C DMT as I just didn't have the cash for the GDLP and frankly I'm glad I didn't go for it. The D8C works just fine, is more than accurate enough and the stiction isn't any worse than when lapping my Belgian Blue or Coticule. All the Shaptons were hollow in the middle section and the 4 hones lapped smooth in about the same time it took me to lap my Norton 4k/8k. The coarser stones took more time to lap than the finer ones and I suspect that's simply related to grit size.
I used the glass hones to bring my old Clauss back to life... it's been a tough razor to get really sharp, it was my first razor and I learned everything I know about honing on that razor... it's kind of a test bed for me. It's always a smooth if somewhat dull shaver. After a round of laps on my 4, 8 and 16k Shaptons, it's ready to enter the next level. The Shaptons really make short work out of honing... these hones are aggressive! That said, I don't think my naturals will be up on the selling block any time soon. If I were starting out, I don't think the Shaptons are the first hones I'd reach for... the naturals have such a great feel to them that really helps develop your stroke without wearing away too much steel. But once you're comfortable with honing and the novelty has worn off... the Shaptons will make the drudgery short lived.
I'll be adding a couple three more Shaptons to my stable.... the GDLP, well... time will tell... I know I don't NEED it, but it does look awfully COOL in the pictures! :cry:
Regards
Kaptain "I don't have HAD, I Don't have HAD......I don't have HAD.... Do I?!?!" Zero