Not that you need to but I put 40 half strokes and 30 x strokes on a test blade and no microchips! You never need to do that many strokes at that level I know but I just wanted to see but there were none. So I would say its not prone to micro chips at least in my test. Shaves are great. I have the HAD and ordered the 15 k. Should get it next week. And 3 more stone holders!