4 Attachment(s)
Short Review of the Shapton Field Stone Holder
No, it isn’t a holder for field stones, it’s a field holder for Shapton Glass Stones!
Shapton make 2 holders, the ‘Stone Holder’ which is a 4+ pound holder intended to be used with the Shapton Sharpening Pond, and the Field Stone Holder which I am reviewing. The Field Stone Holder is much lighter and can store 3-4 regular thickness Shapton Glass Stones.
It is basically two hard rubber-like end caps glued onto a double Shapton glass stone backing with storage space and a deck for the stone in use. The caps do not come off and there is no abrasive on the holder’s structural glass.
It’s a nice accessory, especially for storage, if you’re in the Shapton Glass system though it is not in any way necessary.
Pros
- Well made of high quality materials, very sturdy
- Good elevation for the thin Shapton Glass Stones
- Very quick to use, unlike the ‘screwy’ holders
- Compact way to use and store Glass Stones, can store 3-4 regular thickness stones
Cons
- Expensive at about $84
- Only guaranteed to work with Shapton Glass Stones
- Will need a rubber band or security strap if you’re traveling with it as the stones just slip in (and out)
- If you store a 4th stone on the deck, it is not as well protected as the others
The competition
The spring loaded ‘Marie’ stone holder that Takeshi and Max sell are almost as quick in use and can work with many other stones. You can also use any non slip surface that can provide elevation, like the ‘Bench Cookies’ which are much cheaper, but neither of these can store 3 Glass Stones in a pretty well protected manner.
Image 1: Side view showing the construction of the holder.
Image 2: Top view with one stone on deck ready to use
Image 3: Upside down with 3 stones in place
Image 4: Right side up with 4 stones
Cheers, Steve
