Quote Originally Posted by Kingfish View Post
Just thought a few members might enjoy these directions translated directly from Shapton and recomending a 8000 to 30000 progression.

Directions for using the 30000-grit Shapton Honing Stone


This text is a translation from the factory directions for using the 30,000-grit Shapton sharpening stone, and so can be taken as the direct recommendation of the manufacturer.
Cheers,
Mike
Mike's main focus on these instructions is the progression that Shapton recommends. My main focus if you follow the link is that they recommend soaking the stones 6 to 10 minutes before lapping.

Fortunately we have a member living in Japan who was kind enough to do some diligent detective work and called both Shapton and Naniwa to speak to their representitives on the soaking issue.

Although the instructions formerly recommended soaking for the Shapton pros they no longer recommend that. Now lapping under running water is the preferred procedure for both Shapton and Naniwa. Many thanks to JimR for going above and beyond for a paranoid member.