shapton hones

I have just purchased an 8k Shapton ceramic hone. Of course i did not ask this before I purchased it :fim: , but what does everyone think of the Shapton hones? Everyone here constantly talks about the Nortons.

They are very good but harder than many other watersones and an 8k Shapton would probably be more like a 10k+ norton if there was one. At least that used to be the case but I don't know if either maker has changed their grit sizes since I had both.

I've got the 8k and 15k Shapton hones. The 8k is a really great hone, it's comparable to what an 11k Norton would be if such a thing existed. The 15k is also a great hone, but by the time you leave the 8k you can just go to the chrome oxide and skip the 15k.

One caveat with all the shaptons: Just mist them with water before use. Don't let the water puddle on them or they will develop too much suction and mess up the edge.

thanks for the info on misting the shapton. I was noticing that I could only get the blade so sharp, but not enought for the hanging hair (but close). I have read on here that people send out their razors for sharpening, but I figured that it is either sink or swim, and I might as well learn how to sharpen these things now. I guess my boy scouting expereince is paying off.

If the razor feels like it's sticking to the hone, then the hone is too wet or you're using too much pressure. It should slide along easily. This is a fast hone so it's easy to overhone - so check the edge every few strokes.

And you can always use whats left of your razor as a toothpick if you go too far while trying to get the hang of it. ;)

just call me a toothpickmeister:D

I have a 15K Shapton, and it's quite nice. It cuts fast though, and I prefer my coticule for finishing.