Thread: "Shapton Glass" In Search of the Perfect Edge

Well I went and done it. I have been using these Shapton Ceramic on Glass for a couple weeks now and am really impressed. I have redone most [About 30] of my razors all the way to the 30K stone. I also use the Chromium Oxide paste after the 30K. I have test shaved with most of them. The shaves I have been getting are unbelievable. The most impressive thing about these stones is the quickness of the cutting of the metal. After only one or two strokes I can see metal on the stone and in the water slurry. I think they cut almost as well as the DMT and I think they are a little easier on the blade. The Shapton Diamond lapper is an excellent way to lap. It only took about 5 minutes per stone to lap. This Shapton Diamond Lapper is incredible. Time will tell how these glass stones hold up to lapping. I have only lapped them one time and don't think they need lapping again yet. I know there are many ways to get your edge so Shapton is not the only way.

Now I will pin down each one. For bevel setting the 1K is about as fast as the DMT1.2K but smoother on the blade. I have wanted to replace the 4K Norton for a long time as I have not been satisfied with the performance. The 4K Shapton gives better feedback, faster cutting, plus no soaking in water first. The 8K Norton is just as smooth as the Shapton and does a great job but again the Shapton cuts faster. The 16K is the star of this group as it brings the edge to a whole new level. I liked the Spyderco UF best for finishing until I found this one. If I could only have one Shapton it would be the 16K. With the 30K, as Captain Kirk would say "This stone has taken Straight Razors to a place where they have not gone before". I don't know yet how many shaves I can get before losing the fine edge but even if it is only 3 or 4 before touch-up it will be worth it.

These stones give you feedback like no other I have tried. The blades edge gives you a suction to the stone which tells you the edge is just about right. Again I am not saying this is the only way to sharpen your blade and they are a little expensive. I also like the stone holder that Shapton makes. It is very heavy and does not move when you are honing. I will keep my DMT's for my kitchen knives and I will have my other stones on the BST soon.

bj

How much did you pay for the lapping plate?

I haven't looked too hard but the ones I have found are in the neighborhood of $400.

Looks like a chamoion's set of hones you've got there sir. Glad to hear they are quality products.

The Lapping plate goes for $289 at http://www.craftsmanstudio.com/html_p/Q!0000001.htm . The Shapton lapping plate does not stick to the stone like the DMT. I like the idea that the glass stones all feel the same with the same feedback. So far so good.

bj

Congratulations! They really do work, don't they? I have the Pro stones up to 16k, and the glass-backed 30k. The DGLP is well worthwhile.

Chris

Just started getting the GS plates myself. See what happens

Do the glass stones need lapping? I really can't see why they would with such a thin layer of diamonds on the glass.

Fred

Put the pencil marks on the glass plates then lap and you can see they need to be lapped. Instructions with the stones say you should lap. Some are convex and some are concave. It doesn't need much. Like I said it only takes 4 or 5 minutes to get them perfectly flat with the Shapton Lapper. "Lapper" Is that a word? One more thing. The Shapton DGLP is a much better lapping stone than the DMT because it has grooves or valleys in the surface that prevent the suction to stop the lapping process. The only question is, is it worth the extra money it costs. Drfred: The surface of the stones is ceramic, not diamonds. The Lapper is diamond.

bj

Though, there are DMT's with swarf catching holes, probably the same effect or at least similar.

Originally Posted by drfred

Do the glass stones need lapping? I really can't see why they would with such a thin layer of diamonds on the glass.

Fred

Fred: The Glass Stones are two layers consisting of a glass plate and a layer of ceramic in the appropriate grit.

bj

Great write up BJ:
I gotta agree here these Shapton stones are really, really nice I only have the 16k as a polisher but I will say here and now, no other stone will cross my doorstep from now on, as soon as the Norton's start to wear out they will be replaced with the Shapton unless someone using them can tell me for sure, they wear out even quicker than the Norton's....
Something I picked up on these stones, yes they do need to be lapped, not nearly as often as other stones....
Once they settle in they should very rarely need lapping, from what I understand they swell slightly after the first few times they are used, then you lap, then years go by before you might lap again....
I plan on the exact setup you have there to replace my Norton's 1k/4k/8k then I guess sooner or later I am going to have to try the 30k although I can't see how it can be twice as good as the 16 k

One question??? after the 30k do you find any use for a pasted strop??? maybe a .25 ???

Thanks for the info....