January 28, 2025
Interesting facts
Shapton sharpening stones - Instructions for using the Ha-no-kuromaku series
This text is a translation from the Japanese manual for the 12000 grit stone and can thus be considered a direct recommendation from the manufacturer. This manual is also applicable in essence to the other grit sizes.
The soft white plastic insert in the plastic box is only for protection during transport and should be removed. The 12000 grit sharpening stone "Cream" should be soaked in water for about 6 - 10 minutes before use until it has absorbed enough moisture. It should not be left in the water for too long, otherwise the surface will soften, so it should never be stored in a water bath! After drying, it should be stored in the supplied plastic box.
Sharpening with the "Cream" sharpening stone goes quickly when a good base for the subsequent work steps with multiple graduated grits has been created through the initial sharpening. Generally, one should start with grit 1000 (Orange), then gradually use grit 2000 (Green) and grit 5000 (Burgundy), and finally finish with grit 12000 (Cream).
It is advisable to only grind briefly at each stage: this way, the stone is only minimally hollowed out, and the edges can be processed more precisely. This is only possible if one works with a sufficient number of stones. If one works with too few sharpening stones, one has to stay longer on one stone, and the individual stones will thus be hollowed out more quickly.
It is important that the grinding sludge produced in one stage is completely washed away before moving on to the next finer stage: not only from the edge and hands but also from the entire surface of the grinding material, including the handles and under the fingernails. Otherwise, there is a great risk of transferring coarser grinding particles to the next, finer stone.
Perfect sharpening is only possible if the stone is absolutely flat. To achieve flatness, it should be rubbed against another sharpening stone (preferably finer than grit 1000). Both stones should also be soaked in water for 6 - 10 minutes; when dry, they tend to stick to each other, making it difficult to flatten. The second option is to use a sharpening stone dressing block. Also, pay attention to the subsequent thorough cleaning with water.
The sharpening stones from Shapton come in a sturdy plastic box, which also serves for storage. Each grit has its own color. This box can also be used as a sharpening stone holder and stands securely on 4 rubber feet.
The soft white plastic insert in the plastic box is only for protection during transport and should be removed. The 12000 grit sharpening stone "Cream" should be soaked in water for about 6 - 10 minutes before use until it has absorbed enough moisture. It should not be left in the water for too long, otherwise the surface will soften, so it should never be stored in a water bath! After drying, it should be stored in the supplied plastic box.
Sharpening with the "Cream" sharpening stone goes quickly when a good base for the subsequent work steps with multiple graduated grits has been created through the initial sharpening. Generally, one should start with grit 1000 (Orange), then gradually use grit 2000 (Green) and grit 5000 (Burgundy), and finally finish with grit 12000 (Cream).
It is advisable to only grind briefly at each stage: this way, the stone is only minimally hollowed out, and the edges can be processed more precisely. This is only possible if one works with a sufficient number of stones. If one works with too few sharpening stones, one has to stay longer on one stone, and the individual stones will thus be hollowed out more quickly.
It is important that the grinding sludge produced in one stage is completely washed away before moving on to the next finer stage: not only from the edge and hands but also from the entire surface of the grinding material, including the handles and under the fingernails. Otherwise, there is a great risk of transferring coarser grinding particles to the next, finer stone.
Perfect sharpening is only possible if the stone is absolutely flat. To achieve flatness, it should be rubbed against another sharpening stone (preferably finer than grit 1000). Both stones should also be soaked in water for 6 - 10 minutes; when dry, they tend to stick to each other, making it difficult to flatten. The second option is to use a sharpening stone dressing block. Also, pay attention to the subsequent thorough cleaning with water.
The sharpening stones from Shapton come in a sturdy plastic box, which also serves for storage. Each grit has its own color. This box can also be used as a sharpening stone holder and stands securely on 4 rubber feet.
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