Thread: Shapton users

I'm thinking of getting the 1k 4k 8k 16k shaptons from howard how do the shaptons compare to the naniwas superstones. Any one used them both and if so which ones would prefer and why? Are the shaptons better system ?

First I would get the 2k also if you go with the Shaptons, do you have to have it??? no but it sure works well as a system...
The Naniwa's are a system also, they are a touch more forgiving as a system too, they have a slightly softer feel while honing than the Shapton's....
Either set will get you where you want to go, I would give 1 extra point to the Naniwas on price and on ease of use...
The Shapton's would get the point on speed and on sheer sharpness possible.... Keep in mind that this is JMHO as someone who switches back and forth between the two sets...
There is no clear winner between the two sets they are both that good....

Sorry if that was not what you wanted to hear ...

I am currently waiting on my set of Shaptons to arrive. I had the same issue deciding between the Naniwas and the Shaptons. I found as many threads/posts about each set of stones and that compared the 2 sets. What I came to find that is BOTH sets are reportedly very good, so it really appeared to me that it was an issue of personal preferrence. What sealed the deal for me was the sale on the Shapton stones by Tom/jendeindustries, but I was really on the fence with it.... Otherwise I would've gone with Naniwas simply because they are very well priced. I am not speaking from first-hand experience, as I am yet to try either set out right now, but it really does seem that either sets of stones are well made and do exactly what they're supposed to.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you already have the Naniwas, Gary? Nothing wrong with wanting to try out both sets (I still would like to pick up a set of Naniwas just to try out!) , just asking.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

First I would get the 2k also if you go with the Shaptons, do you have to have it??? no but it sure works well as a system...
The Naniwa's are a system also, they are a touch more forgiving as a system too, they have a slightly softer feel while honing than the Shapton's....
Either set will get you where you want to go, I would give 1 extra point to the Naniwas on price and on ease of use...
The Shapton's would get the point on speed and on sheer sharpness possible.... Keep in mind that this is JMHO as someone who switches back and forth between the two sets...
There is no clear winner between the two sets they are both that good....

Sorry if that was not what you wanted to hear ...

+1, Although I'm finding using the Naniwas to be more therapeutic than useful at this point, since they are a bit slower than the Shaptons.

Sometimes it's the indian and not the arrow.

Originally Posted by StraightRazorDave

I am currently waiting on my set of Shaptons to arrive. I had the same issue deciding between the Naniwas and the Shaptons. I found as many threads/posts about each set of stones and that compared the 2 sets. What I came to find that is BOTH sets are reportedly very good, so it really appeared to me that it was an issue of personal preferrence. What sealed the deal for me was the sale on the Shapton stones by Tom/jendeindustries, but I was really on the fence with it.... Otherwise I would've gone with Naniwas simply because they are very well priced. I am not speaking from first-hand experience, as I am yet to try either set out right now, but it really does seem that either sets of stones are well made and do exactly what they're supposed to.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you already have the Naniwas, Gary? Nothing wrong with wanting to try out both sets (I still would like to pick up a set of Naniwas just to try out!) , just asking.

Yes i do and i find they are nice hones i got them localy. I don't mind trying shaptons if i like them better i'd just sell the naniwas i also have nortons they work well i like 8k norton in feel and use better than the 8k 12k naniwa i find the 5k and 3k feel smoother to use than the higher grits.
I hav'nt realy took to the naniwas to be onest i thibnk its because i got use to 4k/8k and my bbw/coti but you have try and se what you prefer .

The shapton look like good quality especialy with holder and gdlp which i also would buy.

I'm with Glen on also getting the 2k.

You're going to love the Shapton Glass Stones and the GDLP.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Sometimes it's the indian and not the arrow.

I never was a good cub scout!

Of the short time I've used the Naniwas thus far (once), I found them to have a really nice, soothing feeling when using them, kind of like getting into the Zen of the moment - the 5 and 8K were nice. As for the action, when I switched to the Shapton Glass, things actually moved along, IMO.

I purchased the full set of Shaptons before I ever heard of Naniwa and honed almost 2000 razors with them. I found them to be good cutters and very consistent except when doing full edge restores. On those, I would go back to my Nortons. When I first got the Shaptons, the stone felt very hard and some razors skipped across the surface vs. smooth cutting, but you get used to it. Then I got the full set of Naniwa SuperStones and have done 2000 razors on them. I have not gone back to the Norton or Shapton at this time. I find the results between the Shapton And Naniwa pretty close. Right now I am getting the most consistent results with the Naniwa up to 12K followed by .5 diamond spray on felt. Don likes the 30K Shapton as a finisher.

If you don't think the Naniwas are fast and great cutters as well as having superior feedback, watch the honing video from the NC Gathering and look at the time involved and the razor removing the hair off Glen's arm.

Tom, sorry, I would use you for a reference, but it looks like you have only been sharpening straight razors for around 2 months and only tried the Naniwa once. Do appreciate all your input though.

I really don't think you can go wrong with either set of hones or for those who gots ta know, both.

Lynn

I think reading lynns post i will skip the shaptons and stick with the naniwas i do like them it just getting to no them better i have had great edges with a little going back here and there and bevels are so shiny and scratch pattern is so very fine .