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.....