Thread: Some Shapton Impressions

I just updated my honing stones this weekend, I thought I would share some first impressions of the Shaptons...

I have been using the Shapton 16k as a finishing stone for almost a year now and consider it to be one of the best out there (JMHO).... I added the 2k 4k and the 8k this weekend, I did not get the 1k yet because it might take an act of Congress for me to ever change from the Norton 1k as a bevel setting stone, I might add it just because, (HAD) but we'll see... I also haven't added the 30k as of yet, but we shall see how that pans out....(HAD again).... IMHO the real star of this show is actually the GDLP (glass diamond lapping plate) this is the easiest, smoothest, thing I have ever seen, it really leaves a nice flat smooth finish on the stones, I also lapped my Norton's with it and WOW what a difference...
I had used the Shapton 4k and 8k that Lynn brought to the NC meet up and that's what finally tipped me to get more of the set... They cut smooth, and fast, leaving a great edge behind, the 16k has always been a great stone for a finisher, but I think now with a straight progressive set up I like the edge even better....

The only thing I didn't like with this initial experience, was that after lapping, the stones almost stick to the GDLP making a slip up when finally taking the stone off the plate a real probability, so from now on the stones and plate will be in a very safe environment for lapping.....

Thanks for the write up, Glen. I agree with everything you've said regarding the Shaptons. I think you'll also really like that 2K. I've found it to be a great stone for bevel setting. It's a fast cutter, no doubt, but has the smoothness of its higher grit cousins. It's the last stone that I've purchased in my Shapton stable and I debated on getting it, but I'm glad I did.

Chris L

Regarding the 16k.......In a way I'm actually hoping that a Nakayama Asagi I've recently purchased from So will depose the 16K as my favorite finishing stone (it is)........I need more practice with the Nakayama and/or an improvement in my honing skills; so far the Nakayama has not deposed the 16K.

Chris L

Glen,

Are you lapping under running water? This is my preferred way of avoiding stickiness
if I can, but it can still happen.

- Scott

I agree too and i don't even have a float glass stone. The lapping plate is on my list, though it will probably be on to the next best thing by the time I'm ready. Mr. Ishida's always thinkin how to make his last stuff obsolete just about the time I'm ready to jump.

What's the deal Chris? Um which N-A, don't you have more than one? Is the nat too fine?

Originally Posted by sebell

Glen,

Are you lapping under running water? This is my preferred way of avoiding stickiness
if I can, but it can still happen.

- Scott

Typically Scott I use the shower as my preferred location to make sure of plenty of water, yeah yeah I know TMI
But hey it does work, since we have one of those showers with the little benches in it....
However after what I experienced, I dont want busted Glastones in the shower, so from now on the lapping on the GDLP will be in the plastic utility sink in the laundry room just in case....

Originally Posted by kevint

What's the deal Chris? Um which N-A, don't you have more than one? Is the nat too fine?

It's a very hard Asagi. It laughs at the idea of producing a slurry of any kind. I'll keep experimenting with it..............

Originally Posted by gssixgun

so from now on the lapping on the GDLP will be in the plastic utility sink in the laundry room just in case....

Our laundry room utility sink IS plastic. That's where I do all of my lapping and its composition has saved me from more than one broken hone including a few Shapton glass stones.

Chris L

My Nakayama is very hard as well, but it does work without a slurry.

A small diamond hone forms a perfect slurry (I have a set of 4"x6" norton's) that makes things go faster. I just rub it back and forth once or twice to get the grit into solution, not enough to wear it down too quickly.

Oh, and I like to use the Tim Zowada micro bevel system with the Nakayama, don't know why but it seems to give a superior edge.

Glen, you and Chris are making me want to try these hones, at least the 16k if nothing else. And I thought I'd beaten HAD!?!?!?!

I lap hand to hand as well, but I know down deep inside it's not the right thing to do. I do it I guess because it seems to work. If I were to check it I would likely go back to a stationary lapping plate.

I checked the clinical definition, and really it's not HAD unless you are going for more than one of the same.
not necessarily the same brand- but if you have 2 ceramic 8000. an 8000 ceramic and 8000 diamond is not HAD. With Nats it muddies a little two hones for the same purpose or near similar qualities, however they must come from the same geologic geography. A coticule, and suita is not HAD. Your just tooling up.

Originally Posted by kevint

I checked the clinical definition, and really it's not HAD unless you are going for more than one of the same.
not necessarily the same brand- but if you have 2 ceramic 8000. an 8000 ceramic and 8000 diamond is not HAD. With Nats it muddies a little two hones for the same purpose or near similar qualities, however they must come from the same geologic geography. A coticule, and suita is not HAD. Your just tooling up.

Whew, you scared me there; I thought for a second that I didn't have HAD but instead has something else. My handful of vintage, recently mined, natural combo and vintage bonded combo coticules keeps me in the HAD club!!!

Chris L

Originally Posted by Russel Baldridge

Glen, you and Chris are making me want to try these hones, at least the 16k if nothing else. And I thought I'd beaten HAD!?!?!?!

Russel, you'd love a Shapton 16K Ceramic stone. I'd put it at the top of your list of honing things to buy. Go for it.

Chris L