Thread: Question for Shapton 30K users

I know this question has been asked in the past, but it has been a while and this is in hopes there are more Shapton 30K users out there now.

I currently use the Shapton 16K as a finisher, followed up by 5-10 strokes on chrom-ox. I can shave fairly comfortably off the 16K, but prefer the extra smoothness of finishing w/chrom-ox.

My question for you 30K users is this: do you find the 30k provides a smooth edge without wanting to go to the chrom-ox, or do you still go to some type of paste afterwards?

Thanks in advance,

JC

I generally use the 30K in my progression, have never used pastes and have no problems with the resulting edges in terms of either smoothness nor sharpness. You are stropping afterwards, right?

Definitely.

About 75 laps on SRD webbing and 150 on Latigo or English Briddle Leather. The edges are shave ready coming off the 16K (after stropping of course). I just like the extra smoothness from the chrom-ox. Just wondered if the 30k, since it is basically close in grit level to the chrom-ox produces similarly smooth edges compared to the chrom-ox?

I'd suggest trying 40 or 50 on the fabric and 50 on the leather. See if that doesn't improve the shave off the 16k. Worse that can happen is it doesn't but I bet it will.

Originally Posted by jc50

Definitely.

About 75 laps on SRD webbing and 150 on Latigo or English Briddle Leather. The edges are shave ready coming off the 16K (after stropping of course). I just like the extra smoothness from the chrom-ox. Just wondered if the 30k, since it is basically close in grit level to the chrom-ox produces similarly smooth edges compared to the chrom-ox?

For me, no. I use the CrO after the 16k and prefer that edge to the 30k. 30k is fun to have and completes a set, but it doesn't provide $360.00 of extra edge or comfort. Still, I'm glad I have it!!

Howard

Thanks for the replies gentleman.

Just trying to decide if I want to pull the trigger on the 30K stone or not.

If you have to think about it the answer is "NO" it is a nice stone to have but not needed nor is that silly paste! if a 8k, 10k, 12k or 16k is not fine enough for you the only obvious choice is the "500K AIR HONE"(patent pending) open your razor hold the edge parallel to the floor, twirl around feverishly for 1 hour, strop, shave and repeat until edge is perfect. the air friction will abrade the edge so it is ready to shave. please now remit a mere $250US to my paypal account. thank you, no refunds, void where prohibited, use at own risk to self others and your razor. NOT to be used for the other purpose.

enjoy,
jim

Originally Posted by jc50

Thanks for the replies gentleman.

Just trying to decide if I want to pull the trigger on the 30K stone or not.

The 30K is not really necessary, nor is the 16K really although I like them both. I get wonderful shaves off the 12K Naniwa SS as well. With the money you save on the 30K, you can pick up a pretty nice razor, in fact a VERY nice razor.

It's rarely about necessity, but more often about preference or desire to try something different. I'm content shaving off an 8k. We all could have stopped with just 1 brush, 1 razor, 1 finisher, etc, but who does that? That's just crazy talk!

Regards,

JC

If I'm not mistaken the fine pastes are a finer grit than 30k, so in theory you will not gain anything by using the Shapton other than the satisfaction of using a stone rather than a pasted strop. JMHO.