Thread: From Shapton glass 8K to GS 20 K ?

Originally Posted by Mikali

Good to keep in mind about the 30K, what are you using nowadays as a finisher after the 16k? or do you go straight to shaving?

Suprised to read about the shapton pond, what is the added value? I did order the pro holder as I've heard it's quite heavy, and thus fun to work with, but the pond ?

The holder is a must, excellent quality and fits most stones.
The pond just keeps all the mess and water contained and works well with the holder. It's also heavy like the holder, pure quality.

The Shaptons don't see much light anymore unless I sharpen a knife or use the 16k before an Escher.
I prefer to use the Naniwa stones and I prefer a jnat progression over any synthetic.

Originally Posted by JOB15

The holder is a must, excellent quality and fits most stones.
The pond just keeps all the mess and water contained and works well with the holder. It's also heavy like the holder, pure quality.

The Shaptons don't see much light anymore unless I sharpen a knife or use the 16k before an Escher.
I prefer to use the Naniwa stones and I prefer a jnat progression over any synthetic.

Well I can imagine that jnats give a way better feel, but my guess would be you have a lot more experience than I do.
And as far as I know the learning curve with synthetics is "better" as it is more consistent.
Most likely I will end up the way most do, switching over to natural stones again ... I do have a coticule already so I have a start hehe

My first year honing was a nightmare, looking back.
The Shaptons didn't make it easy for me either.
Understanding jnats helped me understand synthetics strangely enough.
Watch some GSSIXGUN videos, probably the most informative stuff out their..

Originally Posted by JOB15

My first year honing was a nightmare, looking back.
The Shaptons didn't make it easy for me either.
Understanding jnats helped me understand synthetics strangely enough.
Watch some GSSIXGUN videos, probably the most informative stuff out their..

I did receive that tip about GSSIXGUN also from a member of the Shaving Society (dutch forum) :-)
Watched him using the shaptons already and was indeed quite intresting.
Strange to see he "soaked" the shaptons, but hey, I'll try both methods.

Originally Posted by JOB15

The 4k is the most important stone in the honing procedure to me personally.

I'm prone to agree with this. I have a lot of hones, the 4K is the one that stays out on the table. The rest get pulled off the honing shelf as needed.

Originally Posted by Marshal

I'm prone to agree with this. I have a lot of hones, the 4K is the one that stays out on the table. The rest get pulled off the honing shelf as needed.

The way I see it is we all know what to do with a 1/8/16k.
Set the bevel.. Not a lot and then even less.
4k is an important bridge between 1&8.
Edited, I'm at work and busy.

I also watched gssixgun's naniwa honing progression. That was five years ago, and I still follow the same methods, I've added a few stones, like the Suehiro Gokumyo 20k, and just this year entered jnat Territory. I'd say, get the synthetics right first up, then follow your own path with naturals. I did no good with Coticules, but I've got two jnats and they add an extra dimension to honing. My only meaningful advice is that 'pressure kills edges.' Enjoy.

Thx for the pressure tip bobski