Re: Shapton vs. Chosera WEPS Stones – The Great Debate

An introductory guide to the Shapton and Chosera WEPS stones can be found in the Guide to Using Wicked Edge Chosera and Shapton Stones[/url]. It covers the basics answers to these questions. I will expand further below, though. 🙂

I’m a little concerned about having to re-set the angle coming odd the ceramics due to the thicker stones (I imagine getting it exact is rather tricky and that is not the time to start reprofiling at 2000+ grit). Is there a reason they can’t be the same thickness – do they wear or dish faster or are too brittle at that thickness?

The stone thickness was a topic of concern when we first started discussing the possibilities of Chosera and Shapton stones for the WEPS with Clay. Technically, one of the major influencing factors was that the Shapton and Chosera stones themselves are easily snapped in half as they get thinner. The aluminum blank was one way to increase their strength, and allow the full thickness of the stones to be used before they needed replacing.

More practically, using the Angle Cube with the screws positioned so they are on the side of the WEPS wings that DO NOT have drilled reference holes in them is the best way to account for the different angles caused by thicker stones.

In my opinion, using the angle cube is a necessity with all the plates, stones, and strops if you want the absolute precision you are asking for. There are slight differences between the paddles (nothing the beginner sharpener will notice, but I’m a propeller-head when it comes to using a guided sharpener… :blush: ) That slightest variation combined with the fact that the stones will wear over time, makes using the angle cube even more essential for long term repeatability. It really becomes second nature to use the angle cube, too.

I am more interested in the Shaptons as I hear they run a bit cleaner (less slurry).

Shaptons pros work best when kept clean of swarf, and they are designed that way. Choseras also work fast when kept clean, but they can use their paste (formed by swarf and loose abrasive) to squeeze out a slightly finer/more polished finish than the advertised grit – and they are designed that way 🙂

I will probably pick up one set to start when they are available and see how much further that takes my admittedly weak edges. Any idea what grit combos will be available or pricing yet? I’d be coming off the ceramics so a 2K/5K would seem pretty appealing to me.

If your coming off the WEPS ceramics, then a 2K -5K should be just about right. Pricing should be available publicly soon. This is Clay’s department. 🙂