Thread: Is a 30k stone worth $280?

I noticed this ages ago, and then forgot about it when I started using pastes.(They have since fallen out of favour with me, I like stones better)
Shapton makes a glass-stone at 30k. Does anybody think it would be worth it?
I prefer the edge from stones so if it gave a good finish like a paste, but more reliable then I might consider it.
I never hear anything about it on this forum, but I gather maybe somebody on B&B tried and compared the edge to a feather. Does anyone think this could be true?
Do you think an edge honed at such a high grit would need maintenance more often?
I need an extremely fine grit to get a comfortable shave, and I can't decide if it is worth spending that much or if I should stick to pastes and get .25 or .1 micron (if I can find it)
Any pointers would be appreciated.

The only SRP member I know who has tried one is mparker762. Maybe he'll be along to give some input... From talking to him, though, he thinks that the edges are more durable than the ones you get from paste, and they are comparable to a Feather.

I've considered getting one but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

Josh

gssixgun and i were talking about the new Shapton glass stones on the chat this past weekend, from what i gathered from the knife forums there amazing stones.
We were talking about the 16k because its only $99 so i decided that im going to pick one up and test it out. I like the idea of the 30k stone but one its expensive and like you are asking not many people own one to review it.

i too have heard results of feather-like edges

Does that mean they nick you constantly.

You can also check with Dr. Chris Moss @ SMF, I think. I know he has had one for some time now. He also mentioned Feather-like edges without the nicks, I presume, since he was positive in his review .

I have one, and yes, it gives ultra sharp feather like edges that nick you with the slightest error in handling the razor.

In my mind, it is quite useless for regular razor honing. It does have one interesting use though. If a micro burr has formed on your edge, it removes it effectively - then a coticule can be used to finish the razor. I'd never use it as the final stone for my razors, but then thats just me.

Michael hasn't used his Shapton for a couple of months. Interestingly - he told me he's using just one razor, touched up on just one hone all this time (not the Shapton 30K)

Anyway - here's the lowdown that I have: it does make for Feather-like edges. Whether you want this is a personal preference...

Pastes are cheap and I hear they work great, so no brainer there (however, I went with an ultra high grit Japanese hone myself)

Cheers
Ivo

Originally Posted by izlat

Michael hasn't used his Shapton for a couple of months. Interestingly - he told me he's using just one razor, touched up on just one hone all this time (not the Shapton 30K)

what stone may that be?

Originally Posted by edk442

what stone may that be?

Knowing Michael probably the 16K Shapton.

Would it be possible to take the 30K glasstone to a band saw and make two 8"x 1/5" stones, $140 each?

Or even three 8x1's?