Thread: Issues with my Shapton 15k vs. Norton 8k

I've sharpened a few stainless razors in the last few days, and they seemed to amplify an issue I've seen with my Shapton 15k finishing stone. The issue, it cuts too much. Really, it feels more like the Norton 4k than finer than the 8k. I use the slurry stone and water, but it really feels like it is removing material vs. polishing the edge. This seems to prove itself out with tests as well. I can easily get an entire edge to pass the HHT on the 8k, but only rarely on the 15k. I've lapped all the stones with my coarse DMT diamond hone. Could it be that the grit cuts from the DMT created to much surface roughness on the 15k? Or, maybe the slurry is the problem?

I'm confused, so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
John

Side note, I've noticed considerable differences in grit between various brands of sandpaper as well. I find that 800 grit 3M Imperial Wet/Dry is far more coarse than Gator Grit 600 grit Wet/Dry. Is there a standard which applies to sandpaper grit roughness?

How much water are you using on your Shapton? Unlike the Norton, the Shaptons only need to be damp, not soaking. Puddles of water increase the suction too much, and the stone starts feeling "sticky" and blows the edge. You should be able to smoothly slide the razor across the stone holding it by the end of the scales. When I'm using the Shaptons I usually cradle the razor in my forefinger and pinky finger and just use the weight of the razor, and towards the end I even support some of the razor's weight. Doing this I get an edge that's awfully close to the smoothness I can get with chrome oxide.

But yeah, they are fast stones. I've been tempted to get the 2k and 5k Shaptons and see how they compare to my Norton - my Norton has never been anywhere as fast as other people claim theirs are.

I usually only do about 3 or 4 laps on my Shapton 12k after the Norton Combo. Any more seems to overhone the edge very easily.

X

I agree. My Shapton finishing stone cuts very fast, and I prefer to use my coticule for finishing.
E

I hear this as well and the way people explain it to me is that the Shapton 15k tends to overhone the edge leaving it less sharp than if you had just stuck to a Norton 8k or a coticule.

This is true if you use it wet like a norton or coticule. Shapton says to just spritz on some water, and if you do that (i.e. it's damp instead of puddled) then you don't get nearly as much suction and the hone slows way down. Using the Shapton this way I get a finish off the 15k that's very nearly as nice as Chrome Oxide - following the 15k with chrome oxide is only noticeable if you're looking for it.

Thanks all. I'll give that a shot Matt. I've been puddling water on the top like I do with my Norton 4/8. I'll give it a go with only a spritz and see if it makes a difference. That said, the stars are aligned, suggesting a paddle strop and coticule in my near future. thx- John