Thread: Shapton 30k Usage

Hi folks,

My Shapton 30k GS arrived from HMS today, and
I was wondering if there was anyone around who
uses this hone on a regular basis. If so, how do
you use it in your own progressions?

I'm currently using 1,2,4,8,16k Shapton GS hones,
followed by an 8x3" Nakayama. Usually I do 20-
30 stokes on the Nakayama and seldom more than
15 on the Shapton 16k. I don't finish with pastes
currently but I've used CrO before.

It's hard to see where this stone would fit, but I'm
eager to experiment

- Scott

I was under the impression that you don't need to do anything after the Nakayama's. Maybe I'm confused. I'm thinking of buying a Shaton 16k, to use as my final polishing hone. I just finished a Wade and Butcher on the Naniwa 12k, and shaved right off it, very impressive....I'm wondering if I'll notice an improvement after the 16k. I would think for you, the 30k would be the end, maybe some cro2, but that's it...

Here are some options I can think of:

- use it before the Nakayama
- use it after the 16k instead of the Nakayama

- use it normally with edge forward honing motion
- use it with a stropping motion

I have Howard and Harrelson's DVD on its way,
so perhaps it will have some more information
about using the 30k.

- Scott

Originally Posted by zib

I was under the impression that you don't need to do anything after the Nakayama's. Maybe I'm confused. I'm thinking of buying a Shaton 16k, to use as my final polishing hone. I just finished a Wade and Butcher on the Naniwa 12k, and shaved right off it, very impressive....I'm wondering if I'll notice an improvement after the 16k. I would think for you, the 30k would be the end, maybe some cro2, but that's it...

It's hard to say how this will compare to the
Nakayama. Lynn wasn't getting consistent
results with this hone, and the Nakayama is
so nice to hone with and gives such a smooth
edge every time.

From what I've heard, the Naniwa finishes
very well -- probably on par with the 16k.
Man, the Naniwa 12k and Shapton 16k are
available at a great price for such good
finishing hones!

- Scott

If you don't have any, I highly recommend the Naniwa's. They are inexpensive, and give excellent results. I'll probably buy the entire set. I hear good things about the Nakayama's. The Japanese naturals are nice hones, probably inconsistent because they're natural. I haven't pulled the trigger on any yet, I've been in touch with OS a few times, but haven't done it yet. I'm looking forward to the 16k, I hope it improves my edge. Good luck with your 30k. Post your results and let us know....

I've got a 30k professional but I have only used it a few times. Not that it isn''t a good finisher .... the few times I used it I liked the results. I use naturals lately more than the Shaptons and I just don't feel the need unless it is something special.

I have the video and Harrelson says on there that he thinks that doubling the grit in a progression is the most effective way. So IMO your 30k would follow the 16k. That is exactly what Harrelson does and the theory behind the GlassStone series.

If it was me I would stop at the 30k for a few razors and see what you think. You know what the Nakayama will do so shaving off of the 30 should be an interesting comparison with a razor that you know. Please keep us posted on your results. I may wipe the dust off of mine and give it a go too. You've inspired me.

I've had the 30K about six months or so and use it at the end of the progression with my other Shaptons. I use it after the 16K and before the CrO paddle. When I need a touchup I use the 16K a few strokes then the 30K then the CrO. It works for me.

bj

I use the SGS 30K as my last hone whenever I put a fresh edge onto a razor. 9 times out of 10, it is the last abrasive the edge meets before going to linen/canvas and leather. The other 1 out of 10 is me experimenting with other hones or pastes.

I was under the impression that Cr02 was a larger micron size that the 30k shapton. How would going from the finer 30k to the leather and cr02 improve an edge?

To my thinking it may have something to do with the shape of the cutting grit, like with diamond vs garnet grit.

Or am I just thinking to much after work on faulty brain cells

I would recommend trying the 30K after the 16K in increments of 5 strokes at a time and see how it works for you after each 5. A lot of times for me, 10 strokes right off ends up being very harsh.

Have fun,

Lynn