Thread: Shapton 16k, mixed grit??

Likely the reason Paul's Finest in Canada does not recommend the 16K for razors and has done so for a few years now.

Bob

YW Glen.

Originally Posted by BobH

Likely the reason Paul's Finest in Canada does not recommend the 16K for razors and has done so for a few years now.

Bob

Yep, I noticed that at Paul’s Finest too.

Most all of us hone razors on Glass Stones that Shapton does not recommend for razors, you have to especially for any coarse work. I just got a Glass Stone 320 for a really bad kamisori that I’ve been working on.

The list that Shapton sent to David is their current offerings and price list in JPY. It doesn’t show up well in the other image because of ‘dark mode’ but here’s the current Glass Stone offerings and prices. If you want approximate US dollars, move the decimal point two places to the left. Example, 4200¥ is about $42 US. More or less. Prices are higher here because of shipping and markup, but usually not excessively so. The 120 grit is $48 at Sharpening Supplies and they run on the high side but their service is excellent.

Originally Posted by Steve56

YW Glen.



Yep, I noticed that at Paul’s Finest too.

Most all of us hone razors on Glass Stones that Shapton does not recommend for razors, you have to especially for any coarse work. I just got a Glass Stone 320 for a really bad kamisori that I’ve been working on.

What you are saying brings into question whether Shapton does not know what they are saying about the hones they make and you fellas do or vice versa. I can see where that leaves some confused.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

What you are saying brings into question whether Shapton does not know what they are saying about the hones they make and you fellas do or vice versa. I can see where that leaves some confused.

Bob

I think that Shapton’s recommendations regarding the 3k-10k-30k sequence is based on beginning with a new razor that’s properly made and ground and does not need corrective honing. And they would likely be right. What else would they assume?

You have to remember that Shapton don’t know what eBay special, Gold Dollar, Pakistani, frowning, badly ground, chipped, or worn razor that you’re honing or restoring. If you have to deal with the full range of razor conditions, you would of course need the full range of hones. And maybe a few diamond plates or a belt sander.

Originally Posted by Steve56

I think that Shapton’s recommendations regarding the 3k-10k-30k sequence is based on beginning with a new razor that’s properly made and ground and does not need corrective honing. And they would likely be right. What else would they assume?

You have to remember that Shapton don’t know what eBay special, Gold Dollar, Pakistani, frowning, badly ground, chipped, or worn razor that you’re honing or restoring. If you have to deal with the full range of razor conditions, you would of course need the full range of hones. And maybe a few diamond plates or a belt sander.

I was not referring to the use of all Shapton hones but just the 16K mentioned in the title of the thread. That seems to generate the controversy and is notably absent in your referenced recommended Shapton hone progression for razors. It is a given that you may need other coarser grits of hones depending on the condition of a particular razor. Anyway I doubt this thread will put the use of the Shapton 16K on razors to rest one way or the other.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

I was not referring to the use of all Shapton hones but just the 16K mentioned in the title of the thread. That seems to generate the controversy and is notably absent in your referenced recommended Shapton hone progression for razors. It is a given that you may need other coarser grits of hones depending on the condition of a particular razor. Anyway I doubt this thread will put the use of the Shapton 16K on razors to rest one way or the other.

Bob

There seems to be two different topics in this thread, one is specific to the suitability of the 16k Glass Stone HR, and the other is ‘How unsuitable is it and the other ones that aren’t recommended?’ The 3k - 10k - 30k HR series is Shapton’srecommendation not mine, I don’t have the 10k or the 30k.

The latter question will. probably have to be decided by the user depending on what they’re doing. Shapton make the same kind of recommendations with the Kuromaku/Pro too, the recommendations are on the paper belt, or obi that comes on the box, and Oz Parker stated somewhere I believe, that the chart he posted was made from the information on those belts.

Anyway, between the two replies from Shapton both questions seem to be answered, at least from Shapton’s point of view.

Could you imagine the threads if everyone could afford 30k Shaptons ?

" I sharpened my razor with the 30k Shapton and..... ( insert negative results here ) "

And the replies would be. "Works just fine on xyz razors."


For Kuromaku Shapton says 2k , 8k, 30k for razors. Would that progression work ? Of course, if you know what you're doing.
I know from experience the Kuromaku 8k will remove small chips & set a bevel but like me you might be scratching your head as to why it took you 2 hours. The 8k & 2k are both green. Best to label each box & stone clearly
I also know that the 320 ,1k & 1.5k are great for restoration purposes yet Shapton don't say that.

I tend to agree with Steve that Shapton's recommendations are for "a new razor that’s properly made and ground and does not need corrective honing."