Thread: Shapton HR vs. HC

What is the difference between Shapton HR and HC stones? Which are best for straight razors?

The HC ones were produced for the japanese markets.
It is said that the gray (HC) and the white (HR) were built differently,
using different types of binder.

I Mix my HR with my HC (1k, 16k, 30k HR and 4k, 6k, 8k HC) without being able to tell a real difference.
Both are extremely well suited for razors.
I quess it´s up to you, wich colour you prefer ^.^

The HR stones are particularly suited for alloyed modern steels. They will do high carbon too, but effectively being a little more scratchy.
The HC were built specifically for very hard, but more traditional steels. If you are going to sharpen only high carbon steel, they are a good choice FME but if you need them for alloy steels too, the HR are better suited.