Thread: Shapton Questions

Lately, I've been doing a lot of reading on hones, and I have read that there are different types of Shapton Pro stones, a set for Japan, and a set for the US (plus the GlassStone series). Supposedly, the US stones were specially formulated for the climate over here. The only thing I haven't been able to find is, what differences in climate are they correcting for? Is the climate outside Japan really that different? If you get the Japanese versions, what kinds of problems might arise?

Another thing that's kind of struck me as weird is that I can't seem to find a source for the US stones except for http://www.shaptonstones.com, though the GlassStones are also available at http://www.lie-nielsen.com/catalog.php?sku=GS-220#. The few other sites that I've found that sell Shaptons only seem to have the Japanese variety. I'm strictly looking for the Pro series, and possibly the GlassStone series. Quite frankly though, the price difference between most of the Pro stones and the GlassStones isn't all that much, except for the 30K, and if I'm going to avail any stones I buy to my father to sharpen his tools, which include things like wood chisels, I think the Pro series would be a better fit! Just out of curiosity, can anyone tell me if the GlassStones come with any kind of case for storage, like the Pro series?

Also, what grit(s) would be recommended? I was thinking maybe a 2k, 4/5K, and an 8k. I know some people don't recommend these for honing razors, some people love them. I'm not honing anything just yet, I'm just looking for information! Any thoughts? Thanks!

Joe

There are quite a few US sources e.g. a quick search shows up
http://www.hodgeproductsinc.com/stor...?cPath=106_126
http://www.webreeds.com/store/index....roducts_id=510

etc.

I don't know if there are any real differences as I'm not in the US so just get mine direct from Japan. I wouldn't say they are great for razors as they are quite hard compared to a lot of other waterstones (although I have other makes of ceramic waterstones that are as hard.)
If you're fairly experienced and want a harder stone I'd maybe go for it as long as you don't mind buying them to find they aren't want you want for razors. As long as you have other uses for them. I've heard of people finding they end up making blades blunter with hard stones occasionally.

You might PM mparker762, if he doesn't happen along soon. He uses these stones exclusively to very good effect.

Josh

Originally Posted by JoshEarl

You might PM mparker762, if he doesn't happen along soon. He uses these stones exclusively to very good effect.

Josh

Josh - Actually, reading his posts on the Shaptons is what led me to believe that they might be what I want. IIRC, he said that the key to using them, aside from a very light touch, is following Shapton's guidelines and just spritzing a little water on them rather than drowning them like a Norton - pooling the water on them causes a lot of suction, which is what causes them to produce a dull edge.

Don't get me wrong, I know I'm a newbie, but I'm not buying any stones just yet. It does seem that the Shaptons will be better for what I intend to use them for. Not just honing razors, but also the woodworking tools and other blades, whereas I get the impression that chisels can make short work of a Norton.

Murph - It's funny, you're in Scotland, and you can pull up US suppliers easier than I can in the US! When I google for it, none of the sites you posted show up.

Joe

Joe,

If you're planning to use the hones for things other than razors, you'll need to lap them frequently. A knife doesn't mind a hone that's not perfectly flat, but a razor really, really does.

You might end up wearing out your expensive hones more quickly than you'd like through constant lapping.

In your place, I would consider indestructable DMT diamond hones for my tools and seperate hones for my razors... Just a thought.

Josh

Originally Posted by JoshEarl

Joe,

If you're planning to use the hones for things other than razors, you'll need to lap them frequently. A knife doesn't mind a hone that's not perfectly flat, but a razor really, really does.

You might end up wearing out your expensive hones more quickly than you'd like through constant lapping.

In your place, I would consider indestructable DMT diamond hones for my tools and seperate hones for my razors... Just a thought.

Josh

The flattening issue is one of the things that steered me towards the Shaptons, since they have a reputation for needing less flattening. That said, the woodworking tools and other blades that would be getting attention on the hones wouldn't need that attention often - I'm not a professional woodworker, and neither is my father, we just like to build stuff from time to time. Kitchen knives, on the other hand, would get honed a little more often, and, of course, the razor would also meet the stone as needed.

It's funny that you mention the DMTs. I looked at them as well, but from what I gather, they're not good for razors, and I'd like to get one set of hones that'll do the jobs I need done. I still am interested in picking one up after reading that they make great flattening stones though! While we're on the subject of flattening stones, does anyone know if there's any real difference between a DMT and Shapton's new diamond levelling plate? It's pretty pricey, and it seems to basically be a diamond hone with some channels for the swarf to move through - please correct me if I'm wrong!

This is part of the reason I'm not buying any stones yet. I have a lot of research to do! That, and I still haven't even gotten my razor in the mail yet. But hey, good things come to those who wait....

Thanks for all of the input so far, and putting up with my total noob questions on this and other posts I've made. I know there's a wealth of knowledge out there, and I'm glad you guys are willing to share!

Joe