Thread: Shapton GS 16000

Originally Posted by Stubear

I use mine as part of a 1/4/8/16k progression and it works well. I'm not a massive fan of the Shapton edges, I find them a little harsh, but what works well is building a slight slurry with a 325 DMT (a method I got from Glen) which softens the edge some. If it was my only finisher, thats how I'd use it all the time.

I dont do many strokes either. Once I come off the 4k I tend to do 20 strokes on the 8k and then 10-20 on the 16k depending on how hard the steel is. If the razor was a bear to hone on the low grits I tend to do 20 on the 16k. If it was really easy I only do 10.

TBH I usually stop at 8k and use a natural stone as a finisher as I prefer the edges they give to a synthetic.

had a go on a couple of razors and found the edge quite harsh, a close shave but not comfortable at all! wen't back to the 8k a few turns and finished on the GS with a lite slurry and am very happy with the results!

IMO give it a go, haha that kinda rhymes

Thank you for the suggestion Stubear

Try a coti or thuri slurry on the 16K, you will love the results...

I used to use detergent on my shapton 16k, too but ceased to do so.
I have the entire shapton glass set now, and use them like god (or shapton) intended to.
Especially the ones from 6k up need to get used to, otherwise you end up with harsh edges.
I find that the GS are very pressure sensitive, yet need a firm stroke.

You want to hold your hand steady but apply minimum pressure on each stone up to 6k,
especially on the 16k and 30k. Otherwise you will end up with microchips
(that I was able to make out under the mikroskope when using too much pressure, or unsteady stroke) that give you harsh shaves.
If done properly (ie. very crisp and fine line under the microscope) you get perfect results.

I switched from single handed X-Stroke with ultra light pressure,
to a two handed, more steady stroke and now get much better results on the GS

Originally Posted by Lesslemming

I used to use detergent on my shapton 16k, too but ceased to do so.
I have the entire shapton glass set now, and use them like god (or shapton) intended to.
Especially the ones from 6k up need to get used to, otherwise you end up with harsh edges.
I find that the GS are very pressure sensitive, yet need a firm stroke.

You want to hold your hand steady but apply minimum pressure on each stone up to 6k,
especially on the 16k and 30k. Otherwise you will end up with microchips
(that I was able to make out under the mikroskope when using too much pressure, or unsteady stroke) that give you harsh shaves.
If done properly (ie. very crisp and fine line under the microscope) you get perfect results.

I switched from single handed X-Stroke with ultra light pressure,
to a two handed, more steady stroke and now get much better results on the GS

Good advice here, I was having issues with my 16K GS hone when I first bought it and had very harsh feeling edges. I now wish I still had it to try the two handed stroke I probably would've learned something if I took my time learning the glass stones.