Thread: Shapton or Norton

So it has become clear that I am in need of an 8k to finish off my set up.

Time for a subjective question.

Which is better?

The Shapton 8k is ceramic? or glass? and I have a ceramic at home and really enjoy the finish on the edge.
Alternately the Norton is a real stone and $10 more.

Are there any pros and cons for someone to consider?

What's better Blonde's, Brunette's, or Redhead's

All a matter of opinion....

I don't understand what you mean when you say the Norton 8k is a "real" stone. Both are manufactured stones. The Shapton ceramic on glass stones are a ceramic which is bonded to a piece of tempered float glass.

If you asked me which has more advantages between the 4k Norton and the 4K Shapton ceramic on glass I would say without hesitation that the Shapton 4k has more advantages overall than the Norton 4k. Why? No soaking required on the Shapton. The Shapton is harder and in my experience requires less lapping. Between the two, the Shapton 4k gives me a better feel when I use it compared to the Norton 4k/8k I had and sold.

BUT.......you're asking about the 8k stones. I think the Norton 8k is a nice stone. I never found that it required soaking and worked well with water spritzes. I found the Norton 8k side I had was smoooooooth. No complaints from me about the Norton 8k. The Shapton 8k is an outstanding stone as well. I'm glad I have one. IMO the differences between the Norton 8k and the Shapton ceramic on glass 8k are less than the differences between the Norton 4k and Shapton 4k.

I hope that helps.

Chris L

Originally Posted by gssixgun

What's better Blonde's, Brunette's, or Redhead's

All a matter of opinion....

To marry, to date, or to, uh...just kinda "know?" I have concluded that this is, indeed most clearly NOT just a matter of opinion, but a question with a demonstrable answer, whose knowledge may be ignored only at one's most terrible peril.

Oh, and sorry for the hijack.

If you get the shapton, you wount have to soak it..
I like to just bring up my hones when I feel like it, but then again I really like the norton too...

Kristoffer.

I guess then all things being equal. I'll take the shapton. $74 is cheaper than the Norton.

Get both, you know you will anyway....why delay the inevitable...You said you have a ceramic, and you like it, so it's a no brainer...I have lots of hones, but not one Shapton yet. Maybe one day. I like the Nortons, I got the 220k/1k 4k/8k with lapping plate special at sharpening supplies dot com...It was affordable. I didn't realize that the Shapton 8k was less expensibve than a Norton. The Norton is synthetic I believe, it's not "real" like you think, it feels real, but it's not quarried or anything....They were made by an Engineer/Woodworker according to the pamplet that came with it...

I've got the single grit Nortons (not the combination stone) and I love the 8K. I think in their brochure it said that the 8 is a natural stone quarried in Italy but I am not sure and I can't find the brochure right now. I know that if you have the single grit 8 soaking is not required.

I don't have the Shapton GlassStone but I do have the Shapton Pro in 5 and in 8. To be honest I prefer the Norton 4 & 8. I like the Shapton 15k real well but that is something else. Just thought I would add to the confusion.

Well to add to the confusion. A post was just placed saying that Woodcraft is having a sale on the 28th. They have a King 8k under the Ice Bear name for bout $60, which is cheaper still.

Are King stones good or should I just stick with the Shapton?

For that price, you can't afford not to try it. I may go and pick one up at my local store, unless it's an internet only sale...
I believe they are good stones....

P.S. I just looked at their site, you can get the entire set, an Ice Bear 4k, 6k, and 8k for a little over 100 bucks, not bad. Has anyone ever used these?