Thread: 16K Shapton Glass

Originally Posted by Chris L

Do you like the edges you're getting off the 12k? Or, to put it another way, what would you like your edges to be like that you feel you're not getting off the 12k?

Have you tried chrome ox off the 12k yet? If so, what are those edges not giving you?

The 16k is my favorite finishing stone overall. But, there are many other ways to get great edges as well.

Chris L

The edge of the 12K doesn't feel sharp enough and it is rough. There is still some stubble on my neck after three passes. But, I admit that as a newbie, it may be (likely is) my technique. The CrOx arrived (thank you, Chris) and I will work on the paddle strop this weekend (Nice oak = more work but better looking vs. plywood = quicker to make but ugly next to the sink). I am hoping that the smoother edge after CrOx will give a better shave. Also, I have read that using the 12K wet, then dry, then CROx on leather will improve things. Hopefully it will save me the cost of the Shapton.

Dave

Originally Posted by Lt.Arclight

I've been experimenting with the blue/green vintage Escher hone I recently purchased. As of late I have been using the Shapton glass hones exclusively-finishing with the 16K, which gives an extremely keen edge-but,at least in my experience needs some CrOx to give a comfortable shave with most razors.

Today, I used the Escher on a Joe Chandler 6/8 Roundpoint that had been finished on the 16K shapton and a hanging leather strop with CrOx. The first shave was slightly harsh even though the edge was extremely sharp.

Prior to the Escher, I gave the razor 10 laps on the 16K followed up by 30 laps on the Escher. Prior to shaving, I skipped the CrOx and just did 50 passes on a Tony Miller Latigo strop.

The shave was outstanding. VERY smooth. The edge passed the HHT, but didn't "feel" as sharp as before- yet delivered a BBS shave with my usual WTG. Overall the blade felt smoother and left no irritation whatsoever.

For those that routinely use an Escher I pose a question? Would you skip the 16K, and use the 8K and go directly to the Escher? Or would you use the 16K prior to the finish polishing on the Escher?

I don't have a Shapton 16k, but I do have a couple of thuringian stones (one a light yellow/green and the other a dark blue). They're not officially eschers, but the same stone IMO.

In response to your question, I throw in a few laps on a coticule with water in between my 8k and thuringian. It produces VERY smooth results, and I feel that replacing the coticule with the 16k in between the 8k and the escher will produce comparable results, if not better.

Originally Posted by a-cut-above

Also, I have read that using the 12K wet, then dry, then CROx on leather will improve things. Hopefully it will save me the cost of the Shapton.

Dave

Trying anything and every honing combination you can think of with the tools you have is part of the fun so, I recommend you trying that progression.

I'll say for me, unlike some other guys, I've never enjoyed nor have I found the results to be any better for my razor edges when I hone on a dry hone. I don't like it.

Chris L

+1 ChrisL, using the hone dry sucks in my opinion. Using water with the tiniest little bit of dish soap works well for me with the 12k.

By the way, the 12k then Chromium oxide produces a great edge, but the 16k with chromium oxide trumps even that.

Another thing that's fun to play with is to strop some newspaper placed on anything flat, right after the CrOx. 80 laps or more on the heavier inked sections often makes a noticeable change.

Originally Posted by Chris L

I'll say for me, unlike some other guys, I've never enjoyed nor have I found the results to be any better for my razor edges when I hone on a dry hone. I don't like it.

Chris L

Originally Posted by Ben325e

+1 ChrisL, using the hone dry sucks in my opinion. Using water with the tiniest little bit of dish soap works well for me with the 12k.

Count me in, fellows.

Even if it can done, honing dry, I haven't found much advantage in it. But I have to admit that I hate doing it, so, I'm biased.
A little lubrication goes a long way.

Bart.

Just recieved my shapton 16k I just honed one of my razors that was previously taken up to a shaving edge on the 12k chineese. This shapton rocks. Wow. Im going to shave with my razor tonight. The razor off the 12 k level was passing the HHT ok. With the 16k edge.....i just have to barley touch the hair to the edge for it to pop!!!!

Originally Posted by 2Sharp

You can sell your 12K Chinese after you get the 16K Shapton.

bj

That's what I did, along with my Spyderco UF as well. The 16k shapton took the place of both, with the cost being a wash.

Now if I can only find a narrow (aka economical) escher to try...