Thread: Question for Shapton 30K users

Originally Posted by Ryan82

I guess you'll have to change your screen name to JimmyoverHAD

No Ryan, it is half way true that I am over HAD but my name is Jimmy H. The AD is for acquisition disorders because I've had all of 'em.

Honestly if you are going to finish on paste you can go from 8k to paste and never need the high end stones or naturals. If I knew that a few years ago I couldve saved a few grand on stones!

So if you use paste...the edge will always be the edge from the paste.
I never used the 30,000 but I owned the 16,000 and thought it was okay. They're probably best as a full system.

Originally Posted by Disburden

So if you use paste...the edge will always be the edge from the paste.

Hmmmmm.. Not from the Blind Draw shave tests that I have had the opportunity to do using 7 day sets, it sounds logical but that isn't the results that have come up.. I also do believe that it really depends on the actual use of the paste, I have read people doing 50-100 laps on pasted strops, and I think the use of Balsa pasted strops which are very "Effective" might change the outcome much more than Leather or Felt..

Basically I think that was too broad of a paint brush stroke that you used in the statement, not that it isn' true in some cases but I don't think in all

Originally Posted by Disburden

Honestly if you are going to finish on paste you can go from 8k to paste and never need the high end stones or naturals. If I knew that a few years ago I couldve saved a few grand on stones!

But think of the fun you'd have missed !!

This is a good thread. Now I know that I will stay with my 16k GS and my naturals, much cheaper this way

Originally Posted by jeness

This is a good thread. Now I know that I will stay with my 16k GS and my naturals, much cheaper this way

Better edges as well. I've played with a few different pastes & sprays, still keep a paddle with .5 micron diamond on leather for touchups, but I will stay with my stones...you guys can have the pastes.

Has anybody tried to go from gs 8k directly to gs 30k, skipping the gs 16k?
Feel free to try and report.

Originally Posted by Frameback

Has anybody tried to go from gs 8k directly to gs 30k, skipping the gs 16k?
Feel free to try and report.

Yes, I did.
I own a set of Shapton GS from 500 to 30k save for the 16k.
I did have several Shapton GS 16k in my sharpening rotation but sold them all.
Somehow I never got really comfortable with the 16k. I don't know why to this date.

Now I finish off with the GS 8k or the uber-expensive GS 10k and "jump" directly to the 30k.
Both work very well before the GS 30k. There is not much sense in putting a finisher (ie the 16k) before another finisher (ie the 30k),
if what both need is a very well set and smooth bevel to work with (ie. an 8k)

For the OP all has been said already. The Shapton GS 30k will not improve your edges/shaves, I believe.
The 30k GS is extremely expensive and not easy to use. It will perform only if you are very good at what you do.
If you cannot get smooth an comfortable shaves of the 16k (especially WITHOUT paste!) your problem may be lack of technique.
I would advise you to learn your edges. Sharpen using your usual routine but finish on your 8.000 grit stone. Shave.
Unless you can get a good and smooth shave coming from your 8.000 grit stone there is no sense in going even further.
Remember: Your finishing stones, may it be a 16k, 30k or any natural will improve edges that already are good. Nothing else

I suspected this. Excellent!
Ill give it a try aswell.
Ill try 1,4,8 30K gs shapton and jump over 16k
I have felt that its a bit of 16k or 30k, not 16k and.30k