Shapton GlassStones?

[kpfeifle]

Hi All:

Anybody using the Shapton stones? Seems like not a lot of users, but those who do use seem to really like them. I have a few questions about getting into his system. What would be a good 3 (or 4) stone system to start with? Maybe 500, 2000, 6000? Second question concerns the holders, I see that they make two, a single and one that holds and stores three stones. Any preferences? Third and last question concerns their diamond lapping plate. Just seems way too expensive...anything from DMT that would work as well? Anyway, thanks for whatever help you throw my way!

Kevin

 

[thombrogan]

A DMT Dia-shape plate will work just fine. You can also make larger jumps between grits if you like. Shapton allows its resellers to offer a chefs' set which was 500, 2,000, and 16,000 and now 500, 3,000, and 16,000. I used to use 1,000, 2,000, and 8,000 and it worked great for most everything (well, used a 4,000, too, but not as often).

The price on the stone-holders, though, is crazy. Insane in the membrane crazy. I use this and used to put rubber feet on the glass part of the Glasstones to raise it up just a quarter inch higher. You could probably used the money saved that way to invest in a good diamond benchstone such as a DMT D8XX or D8XC for flattening your Glasstones and thinning edges or grinding out chips.

Hope that helps.

 

[scubadoo97]

Glass stones were my first venture into freehand sharpening so I have no frame of reference to compare. I ended up buying quite a few; a 220,500,1000,2000,4000 & 8000 What I use most is the 1000 and 2000 for my J-kitchen knives and strop on charged leather. I use to work all the away up to 8000 but find it not worth the effort in most occasions unless I just want to be obsessive.

I use the same stone holder as thrombrogan and lap most often with a DMT 8XC. Also have a Norton flattening stone which I purchased before buying the DMT plate.

What I love about them is that I can sharpen without any prep. Pull out any stone and begin sharpening. No planning and soaking. I also like that they are clean. No mud and they wear slowly. When done just dry and store. I clean with a little bon ami and flatten every few sessions.