Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on August 28, 2013 at 22:18

I would be curious to hear if anyone has tried both?

Permalink Reply by Jack Haskins, Jr. on September 1, 2013 at 7:57

Stephen, no one has given a comparison so if you don't know any more than you did earlier I suggest you post the same question on the chefknivestogo.com forum.  You can find it under the "resourses" tab on their site.  From the internet sites dealing with sharpening stuff they have without a doubt, bar none, the best quality and widest variety of prodicts I've seen.   No only that they answer questions just like yours.  The owner of the site is very knowledgable as well as other suppliers who sell their stuff on the site.  You may get answers from several people who have used both types (and others) giving more info.  I've seen some people prefer a type of stone just based on how it "feels" when sharpening a knife even though other stones work just as well.

Having said that I have used the Shapton glass stones and all I can say is if no one in your family will go hungry because you buy thise things, buy them.  They have sets on the CKTG site of grits selected by very knowledgable people knowing (in their opinion) what are the preferred grits for a two stone set, or a 4 stone set, etc.  I had a 2k and a 6k Shatpon glass bench stone.  I sold them to fund other types of stones in my search for what I want to use long term.  I would have kept them but I can't afford to buy everything I've bought without funding some purchases with sales of what I have already tried.  Financially this is really stupid but I'm getting a better idea of what I like.  Right now the bench stones I used are based on them being able to be used dry.  But if I ever get more water stones I'll get the Shapton glass.  For a two stone set I'd get the 500 and 2k grits.  Then if I wanted a finer grit stone I'd get the 8k.  The 500 grit removes steel fast.  The 2k is a great stone for about any finished edge.  A bit toothy and good for lots of type knives.  Perfect for pocket knives in my opinion.  The 8k will put a mirror finish on the bevels and leave a very smooth edge.  You can shave your face with this edge and not worry about it feeling like the edge has "teeth".  But for a smoother grit progression I'd add the 1k and 4k grits. This is based on my VERY LIMITED experience.  The guys on the CKTG site can give lots more informed info.  Not just people who make money from the sales either.  I've even seen Rich (owner) tell someone not to buy something they were considering because he didn't think it was what he needed based on the description of what he wanted.  Anyway, hope you get your answers.

Permalink Reply by Stephen L. Corley on September 1, 2013 at 13:46

Thanks Jack, I never knew they had a forum over there. 

Permalink Reply by Stephen L. Corley on September 1, 2013 at 20:45

Jack, I got a response on CKTG. One person said he has both in 4000 and 8000. The Norton 4000 he does not like and the 8000 he said is very soft. I may have to go with the Shapton.

Permalink Reply by Jack Haskins, Jr. on September 1, 2013 at 21:25

Glad you got some info.  One thing about the Shapton glass stones is they are NOT soft.  Water doesn't soak in like the stones that came with my Edge Pro.  The coarser grits act like sponges compared to the Shaptons.  I don't have experience with a lot of different stones but the Shapton glass stones don't wear as fast as some others as I understand it.  So they need flattening less often.  If you get some let us know what you get.  I suggest one stone of every grit.  Don't forget to wear a mask when you rob every convenience store in town. :)  That was an attempt at humor in case you didn't get that. :)

You know what else you need?   I think they have a "sharpening station" or whatever it's called.  It stands alone with drawers to hold stones and stuff.  The top has a reservour for excess water. It is just tall enough to stand by and sharpen.  Or maybe use a stool.  It's REALLY cool.  And to make it better I think it only costs $2,500 or so.  Better get two. :)  Of course that's a dream item for me.  Actually to spend that kind of money on something like that (absolutely NOT needed) is a dream also. lol

Stephen L. Corley said:

Jack, I got a response on CKTG. One person said he has both in 4000 and 8000. The Norton 4000 he does not like and the 8000 he said is very soft. I may have to go with the Shapton.