Thread: chinese 12k vs Shapton 16k

Hey guys, I've been looking long and hard @ the shapton 16k stone, and I'm thinking about pulling the trigger. I've already got a chinese 12k, and get great results from it - but that doesn't satisfy HAD, now does it?

The reviews about the stones are great - but I don't seem to recall a comparison to the 12k, so forgive me if I've overlooked something.



Thanks,


Ben

Comparison?

Chinese 12K is about 1/3rd the cost of a 16K Shapton. For the budget conscious, the Chinese 12K is a great stone to have. It's slow which can be good for practicing technique (one thing I need to do more of).

For the money, I think the 16K is a super stone and given its performance I think it's reasonable. Bringing an already keen edge to the 16K for even 20 passes can make for, IMO, a super all around shaving edge (sharp as all get out, yet still comfortable). I only touch up my edges off the 16K every few months by bringing it back to the 16K.

I have both stones, but I rarely use the 12K. I don't think it's a bad stone; for the low cost, I think everyone should own one. Still, Ending on the 12K leaves me wanting for what the Shapton 16K gives.

Chris L

Since I switched to the Ceramic on Glass Shapton system, my Blue & Yellow Coticules, and my 12K Chinese are just gathering dust in the cupboard. They were great for their time, but I haven't looked back. Once you use the 16K Shapton, the 12K Chinese will probably be out of sight, and out of mind.

Steve