Just thought a few members might enjoy these directions translated directly from Shapton and recomending a 8000 to 30000 progression. Remember folks, the Japanese still use steels very similar to many of the vintage razors we enjoy. Also, this is for the pro series not the Japanese version of the glass stones which does leave a few holes in my point, but the pro series and the Japanese Glass Stones version are made specifically for carbon steel. Lynn, Glenn and others already pointed out his experience with the pro series(sorry Jimmy yours are great) and that to me speaks volumes. I edited most of the directions out and got down to just what our discussion was about but left the link if you want the rest to read. Enjoy.

Directions for using the 30000-grit Shapton Honing Stone


Dieter Schmid - Fine Tools Dieter Schmid - Fine Tools


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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.

Honing with the 30,000-grit stone goes quickly when the edge has been properly prepared using a series of progressively finer stones. Normally one starts with the 1,000-grit stone (orange), and then works up through the 2,000 (green), the 5,000 (wine or "burgundy"), the 8,000 (melon) and then gives the blade a final honing with the 30,000-grit (purple) stone.

Frequently Asked Questions



Question:I would like to try to use the "Purple" stone. The directions suggest that I should use it as the final step after honing the edge on the "Melon" (8,000-grit) stone. But can I use it after honing with the "Cream" (12,000-grit) stone, because the "Cream" stone is finer than the "Melon" stone?
Answer: Before finishing with the "Purple" stone, the "Cream" stone should be used to hone very hard steels. With softer alloys and steels, it is better to use the "Melon" stone and then move to the "Purple" stone.




I hope and pray Kevin wins whatever his heart desires and all else too.
Life is way to short to not love a good shave.
Cheers,
Mike