Shapton Ceramic Water Stones are very highly regarded sharpening stones that will give your tools and knives a quick and extremely sharp edge. With a wide-range of available grits, fast-cutting ability, consistently graded abrasives, and an ultra flat backing, these stones meet the needs of even the most discerning sharpener. With this kit, you get three grits (500, 2000 and 16000) that will put a mirror polish on your tools and knives. The set includes Shapton's field holder which also doubles as a sharpening base.
Kit Includes the Following Items:
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500 Grit Shapton GlassStone - this stone is medium coarse and is to be used on dull tools and knives. The grit particles used on this stone are large for medium fast cutting. The grit particle size measure 29.4 micron average.
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2,000 Grit Shapton GlassStone - this stone is medium fine. The grit particles used on this stone are smaller to refine the edge. The grit particle size measures 7.35 micron average.
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16,000 Grit Shapton GlassStone - this stone provides a true mirror polish to tools and knives. The grit particles used on this stone are extremely small. This stone can only be used after you've created a sharp edge with other fine grits. The grit particle size for this stone measures .92 micron average.
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Shapton GlassStone Field Holder - holds up to 3 Shapton Glasstones. When turned over, it can be used as a base for sharpening.
Each stone measures 8 1/4" long and 2 3/4" wide x 3/8" thick (210mm x 70mm x 10.5mm).
The Shapton GlassStone HR Series of Ceramic Waterstones is Shapton's most advanced stones for sharpening hard steels and modern steel alloys. They are one of the highest quality stones available at any price. The Shapton GlassStone is a high quality ceramic waterstone that uses uniform ceramic abrasives to provide a consistent and fast cut. The stones are backed with glass (hence the name GlassStone) to provide an exceptionally flat base.
Fast Cutting and Longer Wear
Waterstones are known for fast cutting which speeds up sharpening. Shapton GlassStones are very fast cutting, yet they wear much less than traditional waterstones. By wearing slower, they will require less flattening and you will remove less abrasive material when flattening.
Glass Backing
Each stone is backed with 5 millimeters of glass which provides a firm, flat base to adhere the ceramic waterstone abrasives. In addition, the glass backing provides you with a greater utilization of the stone because you can wear it down to the very end. In any other waterstone, as they wear thin, the stone will break and cannot be used.
Abrasive Particles
The abrasive particles in the Shapton stones are very consistently graded for optimal performance. In some grits, the particles are within .01 micron of one another. In other words, each particle is the same size. This uniform size allows the stone to sharpen faster and create a better finish. If a stone is inconsistently graded some particles are larger (thus providing a coarser edge) while some are smaller (slowing down the sharpening process). In usage we've found Shapton Stones to be very consistent and true to the specified grits.
Size
The Shapton GlassStone measures 210mm x 70mm x 10.5mm. This is approximately 8.25" x 2-3/4" x 3/8". Each GlassStone is 10.5mm in total thickness with 5mm ceramic sharpening matrix and 5mm glass backing plate. This size is a good size for sharpening most tools and knives.
What is a GlassStone?
The stone itself is not made of glass. The ceramic sharpening matrix is actually white. The glass is only on the bottom of the stone to serve as a base. The grit and micron equivalents are marked on the underside of the stone and visible through the glass side for easy identification.
No Soaking Required.
Unlike traditional waterstones, Shapton waterstones do not require soaking. It is literally a “splash and go” stone. Since the binder doesn't absorb water, there is no need to soak the stones. We recommend a squirt bottle to keep the surface wet.
HR Series
The HR Series of GlassStones is a versatile stone for most sharpening applications (for straight razors and some high carbon steel we recommend the HC series). The HR Series is ideal for many harder steels, stainless steels as well as harder steel alloys.
Made in Japan
All Shapton GlassStones are made in Japan. We have been retailer of Shapton products for many years now. We have always found these stones to be of consistently high quality.
Sharpening Supplies is an authorized retailer of Shapton stones.
Japanese Part #50408
Q. Are the stones made of glass?
A. The stones themself are not made of glass. The Shapton GlasStones are backed with 5mm of glass to provide a firm, flat surface for which to adhere the ceramic waterstone abrasive material.
Q. What grits are available in the Shapton GlassStone HR Series?
A. The Shapton GlassStone HR series has a wide range of grits. The stones are available in the following grits: 120, 220, 320, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 6000, 8000, 10000, 16000 and 30000.
Q. Do I need a flattening stone or lapping plate for my Shapton GlassStones?
A. Yes, any waterstone, even the Shapton GlassStones require flattening. We recommend Shapton's Diamond Glass Lapping Plate. We recommend it for 500 grit all the way up to the 30,000 grit.
Q. Do I need a stone holder?
A. Yes, you need something to hold the stone. The glass backing will slide on your work surface. Shapton's stone holder is wonderful, but also an investment. For those seeking an economical alternative, we have a Universal Stone Holder that accommodates the Shapton GlassStones.
Q. What does the "HR" stand for in the Shapton GlassStone HR Series?
A. The official meaning of the Shapton HR Series is High Resistance. Although many customers refer to the stones are High Rockwell. In either case, whether you're talking about sharpening steels with a high resistance to abrasion or just measure high on the Rockwell C scale, the HR series stone is generally the right product for you. If you just ask us for the HR, the High Resistance or the High Rockwell, you will be getting the same thing.
Q. What is the difference between the HR and HC series?
A. The HR and HC series are very similar, but they do have some subtle differences. The visible difference is the color, the HR is white, while the HC is a light gray. In use, we recommend the HR for stainless, modern alloys as well as most high carbon steels. The more aggressive cut of the HR makes it the primary recommendation for most knives or tools. The HC series is used on many traditional high carbon steels. The HC is only available in a 4K, 6K and 8K so it tends to be used in conjunction with the HR for many situations. The HC does tend to polish high carbon steel well and if often used in sharpening straight razors, high quality Japanese beauty shears, and traditional Japanese high carbon steel knives and tools. If you are sharpening a variety of knives and tools, the Shapton HR series will be more versatile.
