Thread: Shaptons for a noob?

I am new to honing and have only been straight razor shaving long enough to know that I want to continue. I do not intend to be intensively restoring razors, but I would like to be able to put antique store finds in good order. The consensus seems to be: If you are a noob go with the norton 4k/8k and a chinese 12k with a DMT 325 to lap them. At first that sounded fine, but I began to read about how great the Shapton 16k is and thought maybe I should get that instead of the chinese 12k.

Then I saw this: Shapton Straight Razor Set 1000/6000/16000
It is a set of shaptons: the 1k, 6k, and 16k advertised as a straight razor set.

Personally I would rather shell out the money now for a great set of hones that will last me forever, than buy OK stuff now only to sell it later to upgrade.
I also like that it is self contained with the holder and you don't have to soak the stones. I know I'll still have to get the DMT for lapping, but that's cool.

So my question is: Do you think that is a suitable set for keeping razors in shape and occasionally sprucing up an older one?

Interesting combo they're offering. I purchased all of my Shapton stones from them except the GDLP and they're service was great.

I'm going to say I think this set up would work for what you're looking for. I own all three of those stones. The 1000 is certainly worthy and capable of setting bevels (honing out chips will still take awhile on a 1K if you ever got into that), the 6000K is a great stone and enough said about the 16k. I couldn't see you wanting to upgrade any of those Shapton grits; I could see you maybe wanting to round out those three with a 4K and 8K, but I don't think they're necessary if you have a 6k. Go for it. You'll be the Shapton 1k, 6k, 16k progression authority.

Chris L

The consensus on the "go with the Norton set" is mostly for 2 reasons
1. Cost!!!! for the price of one Shapton you could almost buy the whole Norton setup...
2. The fact that almost everyone that hones has used or still uses a Norton so help with honing is more easily obtained....

All that being said the Shaptons are a GREAT setup .... period !!!!

Normally I'd advise the norton 4000/8000, and DMT8C lapping plate, and a coticule for finishing.
It works very well, many people use it (lots of support) and it has a good resale value.
It is also a lot cheaper than what you suggest, and it will last a lifetime without needing enything else.

But otoh the shaptons also have excellent resale value, so either way is fine. Both solutions are good, and if you should discover that honing is not for you, you can resell them without losing much.

One thing: you need a lapping plate for flattening and maintaining the surfaces of your shaptons.
You can buy the shapton DGLP for this, or you could just buy a DMT8C. The DMT will work just as well, at only a fraction of the price, but again: the DGLP has good resale value, so little risk.

Why not? The Shapton glass stones are fine to learn on. Do plan on getting the DGLP to keep them flat and the stone holder to hold them flat and in place. They're awesome stones. I've just started carrying them and have some stories to tell! In fact, Harrelson Stanley (Shapton) and I have filmed a DVD on honing razors with Shaptons and it will be on my site in September.

Howard, I'll certainly be interested to check out that DVD when it comes out.

Thanks for the advice guys! I'm going to pull the trigger on it.

Harrelson Stanley (Shapton) and I have filmed a DVD on honing razors with Shaptons and it will be on my site in September.

Very cool! I will be checking that out for sure.


- Scott

Originally Posted by Howard

Why not? The Shapton glass stones are fine to learn on. Do plan on getting the DGLP to keep them flat and the stone holder to hold them flat and in place. They're awesome stones. I've just started carrying them and have some stories to tell! In fact, Harrelson Stanley (Shapton) and I have filmed a DVD on honing razors with Shaptons and it will be on my site in September.

Do you plan on offering techniques and advice, tricks for dealing with problem razors? that's what's really needed.