Thread: Your Thoughts on These Whetstones

I'm thinking of getting these whetstones for my straight razors.

Shapton #2000
Shapton #5000
Cerax #8000
Naniwa #10000

I would then hit the green oxide compound, the linen, and lastly, the leather. Hopefully by then I'll have one scary sharp edge. I've learned a lot about these stones already but I'm always open to learning more. Please share your thoughts. Thanks.

Originally Posted by TstebinsB

I'm thinking of getting these whetstones for my straight razors.

Shapton #2000
Shapton #5000
Cerax #8000
Naniwa #10000

I would then hit the green oxide compound, the linen, and lastly, the leather. Hopefully by then I'll have one scary sharp edge. I've learned a lot about these stones already but I'm always open to learning more. Please share your thoughts. Thanks.

I can comment on one of the stones you mention. Since you've listed a Shapton 2000 & 5000 I can only assume you're talking about the Shapton pro-series stones rather than the Shapton Ceramic on Glass stones? I ask since I don't believe Shapton makes the ceramic stone in a 5000 grit (the make 6000 in ceramic).

I have the Shapton 2000 grit ceramic on glass stone and find it works very well for setting bevels on razors. It cuts quickly but is not IMO as harsh to an edge as the DMT 1200 grit diamond plate I've owned in the past. Also, the Shapton 2000 grit ceramic stone is fun for me to use because I can get my razors to pass the HHT on that stone. I suppose many coarser grit stones can do this by producing a jagged edge on a razor, but I'm talking about a smooth "ping!" type HHT.

I do not yet have the Shapton 6000 grit (I have the 4000, 8000, 16000) ceramic but I'm tempted to get it just to have something in the middle of the 4000 8000, but I don't think it's really necessary.

I do also have the Shapton 500 & 1000 grit ceramic stones but after using them, unless a razor would need an agressive reduction in steel, I wouldn't recommend those stones. I bought them to also use in the future to make quick work of truing plane irons and chisels.

Chris L

Originally Posted by Chrisl

I can comment on one of the stones you mention. Since you've listed a Shapton 2000 & 5000 I can only assume you're talking about the Shapton pro-series stones rather than the Shapton Ceramic on Glass stones? I ask since I don't believe Shapton makes the ceramic stone in a 5000 grit (the make 6000 in ceramic).

I have the Shapton 2000 grit ceramic on glass stone and find it works very well for setting bevels on razors. It cuts quickly but is not IMO as harsh to an edge as the DMT 1200 grit diamond plate I've owned in the past. Also, the Shapton 2000 grit ceramic stone is fun for me to use because I can get my razors to pass the HHT on that stone. I suppose many coarser grit stones can do this by producing a jagged edge on a razor, but I'm talking about a smooth "ping!" type HHT.

I do not yet have the Shapton 6000 grit (I have the 4000, 8000, 16000) ceramic but I'm tempted to get it just to have something in the middle of the 4000 8000, but I don't think it's really necessary.

I do also have the Shapton 500 & 1000 grit ceramic stones but after using them, unless a razor would need an agressive reduction in steel, I wouldn't recommend those stones. I bought them to also use in the future to make quick work of truing plane irons and chisels.

Chris L

Yes, I'm referring to the Pro Series. I'm not too familiar with the GlassStones so I'll have to look them up to compare them to the Pro Series. Thanks.

From what I have heard around people are advising to buy the GlassStones instead of the other series due to the glass, the ceramic are glued to glass, that will make sure they don't break, The stones without glass is more fragile when they get thinner.

But take this with a pinch of salt. I own one 16K GlassStone and are happy with that.

Well, after reading the threads and listening to the sage advice of more experienced men, I'm going to pass on all these stones. I'll get two DMTs, a pasted strop, and call it a day.

Green Paste - Is that 0.5 micron or 0.25?


Where would a newspaper fit in here?

Originally Posted by TstebinsB

Well, after reading the threads and listening to the sage advice of more experienced men, I'm going to pass on all these stones. I'll get two DMTs, a pasted strop, and call it a day.

That's one of the great things about this pastime; there are many many ways to accomplish the same goal rather than being only one path. Let us know how it works for you.

BTW, it's also exciting to see how things evolve with this; 9 months ago, you would not have received the same sage advice to go with DMT plates to accomplish your goal and I wager would have been recommended to go with the Norton 4000/8000 stone. To be clear, the Norton is a fine stone as well, my point simply being that the DMTs have gained wider popularity only recently as an alternative to the "old guard".

Chris L

Originally Posted by Pyment

Green Paste - Is that 0.5 micron or 0.25?


Where would a newspaper fit in here?

"Green Paste" if composed of Chromium Oxide is most often found in the .5 micron grit.

Plain newspaper can be used as a final strop prior to shaving or, chromium oxide powder can be applied to newspaper as an edge polishing medium Then plain newspaper to finish if you wanted to go that route.

Chris L

Originally Posted by TstebinsB

Well, after reading the threads and listening to the sage advice of more experienced men, I'm going to pass on all these stones. I'll get two DMTs, a pasted strop, and call it a day.

Sounds like someone has been listenting to Joel

Originally Posted by heavydutysg135

Sounds like someone has been listenting to Joel

He definitely planted the seed in my head but I spoke to a few other people via PM to confirm. I'm still not convinced a Naniwa 10000 or a Shapton 16000 stone wouldn't be beneficial though. Nonetheless, it's enough to start.

Originally Posted by heavydutysg135

Sounds like someone has been listenting to Joel

Hee hee, I noticed the same thing while over at B&B last night.

Chris L