Thread: Shapton 16000 or 30000

Do any of you use a Shapton 16000 or 30000 to finish? I’ve been using a Naniwa 12000 for years with good results. Any input would be appreciated.

If you're considering the expense of a Shap 30k why not get the Suehiro 20k. Similar micron size but cheaper & will easily bridge from your 12k. The 16k is redundant.

I use a Shapton Glass progression a lot.
I have a 1k, 4k, 8k and 16k.
Finishing on the 16k gives the bevel a mirror polish which I particularly like.
Like all Shapton Glass stones, it is fast.

Pete <:-}

Another vote for the Suehiro Gokumyo 20k.

This is the last finishing stone before I take the razors to the pasted strop.

The step from 12,000 to 16,000 is too small and I don’t see a need for a 30,000 grit stone, although some people may disagree.


B.

The Shapton Glass series is the foundation of my honing progression. I have the 500, 1k, 2k, 4K, 8k, 16k, 30k. Some of my razors go all the way to 30k. If I go natural, I jump off at the 8k before going to Coticule, Arkansas True Hard, or Zulu Gray. I could stop at the 16k and have a fine finished edge..., but why? The Shapton Glass series is a superb set.

Originally Posted by beluga

Another vote for the Suehiro Gokumyo 20k...

I don’t see a need for a 30,000 grit stone, although some people may disagree.

So you are in favor of a hone with a grit size of 0.5 microns yet don't see a need for a hone with a grit size of 0.49 microns?
Why?

They are both great stones imo.
I have had amazing edges of both.

Personally I prefer the 30k ...at this point in time.

If I was you I would go 12k to 20k Gok .sounds a better fit

You are looking at over $400 for the 16-30 set up

It really only brings out the best on a few very fine grain steel razors, the majority of razors don't gain enough to make it worth that kind of money

But Yes when you pair it with certain razors you will get a wicked sharp smooth shave that will make you you go WOW !!!!!!

I have and use the stones that you have inquired about. The Naniwa 12K will give up a fine edge as you have obviously experienced and so the reasons for acquiring another stone play a part in this decision.
If getting a slightly sharper - straighter edge is the goal then there are a # of ways to get there, sub-micron diamond or CBN on different sub-straights can achieve this as well as higher grit stones.
For most of the razors that I work on that I may want a high grit synthetic stone finish I would chose the Suehiro G20, IMO this stone is very easy to learn and is usually a bit less expensive than the Shapton Glass 30K.
I would not be inclined to purchase a Shapton Glass 16K unless I was assembling a full set as I did, I would expect to see little positive change to a Nani 12K by adding that stone after the 12K.
Using a full Shapton Glass progression up to 30K can create an amazingly sharp edge on some steel, and you may or may not like the shave characteristics of such a keen edge.
These type edges could perhaps be created following the 12K Nani with the Shapton G30K but I have no experience trying an edge that way.
I have used the Suehiro G20K after the Nani 12K with very good results, again assuming I would want to reach a high level synthetic finish on that particular edge.

Thank you for the input guys. I have one more question do you believe the Suehiro 20K or Shapton 30 K worth roughly $350 ?