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I'd like to get the opinions of members on the Shapton ceramic on tempered glass hones:
- Are the Shaptons superior to natural stones or just a matter of preference?
- Do the Shaptons do a better job, or just a faster job?
- Is it necessary to use a Shapton lapping plate or is a DMT satisfactory?
All opinions are appreciated. I'm actually pretty satisfied with my Norton 4/8K and 12K Chinese stone, but am curious because Shaptons seem to be popular.
Attachment 111680
I like mine. IMO, they are neither better nor worse than a natural - they do a job and they do it well, though some of the knife guys apparently don't rate them because they flex, but in all honesty if you are making them flex when you hone a razor you should really rethink your pressure.
The 16K will give a very nice shaving edge IMO.
I lap my shapton glass stones with atoma diamond plates. You definitely do not need to purchase the shapton lapping plate.
James.
The Shapton GS hones are an exact science, they tell you basically when to move to the next hone, the DMT works fine with them.. They are fast and leave a smooth edge...
Personally I don't use them for older Sheffied razors l just don't like that edge, but I am not so fond of the heavy wedges on my face anyway :( so take that with a grain of salt I know people that use Shaptons well on them..
I use the Shapton GS stones as well. I like them. I use the 2k, 4k, 6k, 8k, and 16k. I still use the Chosera 1k for my bevel work 90% of the time. Sometimes, I'll quit at the 8k, and go to an Escher, or go to the 16k, then a Jnat, depends on the razor.
Funny Glen should mention Sheffield. I don't like the finish they leave on those either, I use a Jnat to put the finish on my Sheffields. My Maruichi Asagi does a great job on Sheffield steel.
You don't need any of the extra's, DGLP, Pond, etc...I use a DMT or Atoma myself. All the other stuff is nice to have, but not needed...
I have the full set of Shaptons, but find I use the 3, 6, 8 & 16k primarily. Chosera 1k to bevel set and then the previous k's. I do use the DGLP, but the Atoma would work well, and if a DMT, I'd want to use a well worn one. From the 16k I usually strop on linen and leather and most of my regular use razors require no crox, etc. Good Luck!!
Regards,
Howard. :)
IMHO one should not compare naturals and synthetics when it comes to how they work on the edge and how the edge feels.
The end result is always sharp edge, but the feeling is different.
Cajun, maybe before jumping the gun on a set of shapton you could send one of your blades for honing with a shapton progression to see if you like the edge, something to think about, they are quite expensive.
Well folks, I got a set of Shapton stones (second hand) because in 2 1/2 years I've never been quite able to match the shave-ready edge I've purchased when trying to touch them up. It was a deal I don't think most would have passed up if given the opportunity. In fact, I hope I paid the seller a fair price, although it was all I could afford at this time.
I have an embarrassing question. Attachment 112174
Do you hone on the white side or the clear side?
Attachment 112175
you hone on the white side, the other side is glass backing and will not hone anything.Quote:
Originally Posted by CaliforniaCajun
The clear side is tempered glass, you hone on the other side.
Except for bevelsetting i hone Only on naturals.
I just bought shapton gs 4k , 8k, 16k 30k that i should get next Week. Bevelsetter is chosera 600.
I look forward to try the shapton gs hones.
All I can say is, WOW! I had a razor that felt sharp but the shave wasn't quite up to snuff. I did about 10 strokes on the 4k, 20 strokes on the 8k, and 20 strokes on the 16k. Then I stropped it 100 strokes on leather. Doggone near perfect shave! I'd been under the weather for the past several days and didn't shave during that time, but after that hone job it went after that beard like a knife through butter. No nicks or cuts.
Boy, I'm glad I got the Shaptons! After some of the struggles I've had and questions like which side do I hone with, it sure feels good to report it when I do something smart.
This site is phenomenal when it comes to straight razor shaving! :y
Congrats!! Glad it went so well. I really like the Shaptons. You'll eventually develop a feel on each stone for when the razor is ready to move to the next stone. It kind of, for lack of a better term, suctions down, at least that's the feel it gives and then a few light very precise strokes and on to the next stone. Enjoy!!
Regards,
Howard. :)
Yeah,,, What Howard said :)
They do kinda suck the razor to the hone :p especially the hollow grinds, sorta throws up a big red flag that says "Yo Dude move to the next hone" :D
Congrats on the great stones, and getting a great deal!
Sounds like you were just lacking the best tool for the job, and these stones put you over the top.
Michael
