The two GlassStone series feature a 5mm layer of the highest quality ceramic sharpening matrix bonded to a 5mm blasted tempered glass base, whereas the Traditional series features a homogeneous 15mm-thick ceramic sharpening matrix. Both series have been designed for rapid sharpening and low maintenance. They do not need to be soaked in water; simply splash some on and start sharpening.
Like all waterstones, they should be flattened before each use. These stones measure 210mm x 70mm (8.27in. x 2.76in.); the GlassStones are 10mm (~0.5in) thick, and the Traditional stones are 15mm (0.59 in) thick.
UNIFORMITY: Shapton's first priority in manufacturing is to maintain the highest level of uniformity possible in every process. This insures that the user will have clear definable results with every abrasive product from Shapton.
ShaptonŽ ceramic sharpening stones combine extremely fast cutting action with low maintenance. Shapton engineers have completed thousands of hours of research and focused their efforts in sharpening down to three basic elements:
They have carefully developed these stones to work well with a wide variety of steels. Shapton Manufacturing is very precise. When you open a shapton stone you will see careful attention to detail. The edges will be very nicely chamfered and the surface will be very uniform.
Shapton recommends the following systems for sharpening and lapping. All of these systems rely on the DGLP for consistent surface maintaince throughout the Sharpening/Lapping process.
Scissor Sharpening
Scissor Sharpeners run into a wide variety of metals in the coarse of business For sharpeners who are only working the inside ride line, Shapton recommends:
For Sharpeners doing the bevel, Shapton recommends: