Thread: Lapping Shapton 16k

Could I use some plain 3M wet/dry sandpaper to lap this thing? What grit and how much time do you guys think it should take? Also after I get it lapped for the first time...how many times would I have to lap it after? I only own a few razors and do not hone any other razors.

thanks guys,

JF

I think 325 would be a good grit. That is the mesh size of a DMT D8C. If you wanted to smooth it out beyond that you could use higher grits. Unfortunately the Shaptons are recommended to be lapped before each honing session. They have a polymer binder and are subject to change due to atmospheric conditions. This is not an idea of mine but comes from Howard of the Perfect Edge and Harellson Stanely of Shapton USA. Makes having the D8C very convenient.

I can't get the DMTs here in Canada. I got a DMT 1200 but it was bought in the states so.
I currently have a Coticule and usually follow that up with some cr0. I'd like to try something different as a finisher. any other suggestions then?

Well you can't beat that 16k that you already have. Whatever you have will have to be lapped. A lot of guys like the Chinese 12k and it is a reasonably priced. The Naniwa 12k superstone is getting some good results for those who have tried them. Not sure of availability in Canada.

I can get the 12k here in Canada. The Naniwa can be had from SRD. I don't have the 16k though. I got a DMT 1200, BBW, coticule and a paddle strop with some cr0 on it.

So does fendrihan here in Canada.

I have lapped my Shapton 16k a couple times, but I was afraid to get too aggressive with it, and keeping to higher grit sandpaper like 800 1000.

Now I notice that the pattern of steel that makes the surface shine, there is a large dish in the center almost the width of the hone and circular shaped that is seems my blades have not touched.

It seems that I missed this in my lapping even though I used pencil. Should I get more aggressive with my lapping? I don't want to lose the effective part of the hone.

Anyone?

Originally Posted by Dups

Could I use some plain 3M wet/dry sandpaper to lap this thing? What grit and how much time do you guys think it should take? Also after I get it lapped for the first time...how many times would I have to lap it after? I only own a few razors and do not hone any other razors.

thanks guys,

JF

Wetndri & a flat surface will see you thru most lapping scenarios.. I like Silicon carbide powders or automotive valve lapping pastes on glass more & diamond plates the best but all of these work...

Fendrihan also carries DMT hones.

I did mine on a 325 DMT, so I would say go with 325 grit sandpaper on a known flat surface. That should do the job well..!