This is a great topic Tom. I think it is one that will have lasting value so I have made it a sticky so it won’t get lost in the shuffle.
I haven’t used the Shaptons but I have the Naniwa Chosera stones, so I have some observations about them. When I first began to use them, I was wondering what they would add to the great job done by the WEPS diamond paddles and ceramic paddles.
First thing to note is the fact that they need to be soaked ahead of use and while being used must be spritzed with water to keep them wet enough to produce a slurry as they abrade the metal of the blade…so there is preparation ahead of time and clean-up after.
In use I found there was a general slowing down of the process, but I actually found that for me that was a plus…it became more of a Zen experience since I watched, listened and felt the process more deeply.
The end results were:
-the finish on the edge was more mirror like and the scratches more uniform and symmetrical;
– the edge seemed keener to a certain degree…slicing seemed smoother;
-the stones were not as aggressive as the diamond paddles so the number of strokes/time was increased
Are these stones worth the extra expenditure? I am sure this point will be argued, but to me, compared to where I was regarding sharpening a year or so ago when I got the WEPS,the answer is yes. First as a collector, the mirror finish is a big and welcomed plus. The keenness of the edge is increased in the ethereal world of knife sharpeners who polish atoms!! LOL! Real life sharpness is increased but not so much that an ordinary Joe would care in day-to-day knife use. He might notice for example, that the chicken breast butterflies a little bit smoother or the caping of the elk might proceed a little more easily.
All in all I think they are a plus factor in sharpening and I would suppose that the difference would be most noted on knives used in the culinary arts where a sharp chef’s knife is an important tool.
Does this stuff make sense Tom?
Cheers
Leo
