Thread: Shapton 2000 and 8000 ok?

Hi people,
I just ordered a set of Glasstones from Shapton. 500, 2000 and 8000.

I was wondering, if going from the 2000 to the 8000 should be ok... Thanks for your hints and best regards from Hügelsheim!

Cheers,
Grizzly1.-

Shapton and others suggest doubling the grit as you go up in the progression. A 4k would be advisable. If you could swing it the 16k would complete the set nicely.

Is it a matter of the stones lasting longer, or might the honing result be affected? Thanks for your opinions. Bye,
Grizzly.-

Originally Posted by grizzly1

Is it a matter of the stones lasting longer, or might the honing result be affected? Thanks for your oppinions. Bye,
Grizzly.-

It isn't a matter of the hones lasting longer. It is a matter of efficient honing. The 2k is a coarse hone that is fine for setting a bevel. The 4k is for sharpening the edge and the 8k is for refining and polishing. The 16k takes that a step further and would contribute to a smoother shave but it isn't absolutely necessary. You could shave off of the 8k but not quite as comfortably as off of the edge the 16k would give you. That last is IMO. The doubling of the grit progression is Shapton's opinion not mine.... though I agree with it for what little that is worth. Here is the SRP Wiki with a lot of info on honing and which stones to select.

Thanks Jimmy! I'll give the set a try a probably I'll be getting the 4000 soon in case I'm honing a lot.
Bye,
Grizzly1.-

I recommend that you grab the 4k as well, it
will make a big difference in the overall ease
and efficiency of your honing.

- Scott

me too. made a big difference in my honing when I got a shapton 4k. Had before that been jumping from 1k to yellow coticule (8k ish), and it was fine but having the 4k in the middle has proven to make a big difference. A number of experienced honers have suggested that 4k (sharpening) is a very important step.

yes the medium hone - 4-5k is rather important, i would be surprised if you can do without it. with experience and patience it's possible, but you're most certainly missing the first.

I agree with the advice you have received above. My question is this: what are trying to do? If you have just received your first razor and it needs honing I recommend you put away your nice hones and send your razor out to someone who knows what they are doing (look in the classifieds). Definitely don't give it to someone who knows how to sharpen knives but has never honed a razor. Your face will pay for it.

If you are looking to learn how to hone, then the above advice is apropo. You can continue to shave with your professionally honed razor and use that for comparison for the one you have honed.

Hi there,
I just shaved with an old dovo I bought from Ebay after honing with the set of shaptons.... I must admit the step from 2000 to 8000 was too big - but after about 20 min on the 8000 I stopped, stropped on paste and then leather and gave the razor a try... I was quite good though not perfect... I guess I have to improve my technique... Thanks again for your hints. Cheers,
Grizzly1.-