SHAPTON, Page 2
SHAPTON – Japanese specialist in sharpening stones
SHAPTON Co., Ltd. is a Japanese manufacturer of synthetic sharpening stones and accessories for precise edge maintenance. The brand is known for fast abrasive action, a stable structure and a wide choice of grits for kitchen knives and craft tools.
SHAPTON is based in the town of Mashiko in Japan’s Tochigi Prefecture. The company focuses on developing sharpening stones that allow fast, controlled and highly repeatable edge work. Its products are used by professional sharpeners, chefs, craftspeople and home users who want to maintain their knives by hand.
SHAPTON sharpening stones feature a high concentration of abrasive particles and a carefully designed bonding system. This allows them to remove material efficiently, provide clear feedback during sharpening and wear more slowly than many softer stones. The wide grit range makes it possible to repair a damaged edge, create a new bevel, restore ordinary working sharpness and carry out extremely fine final polishing.
You can find the complete selection in the SHAPTON sharpening stones category.
Why are SHAPTON stones so popular?
Fast abrasive action
The high abrasive content makes it possible to restore the bevel effectively even on harder modern steels. With correct technique, there is therefore no need to apply heavy pressure to the blade.
No long soaking required
SHAPTON stones are designed for quick preparation. Before sharpening, the surface is usually only moistened with water, allowing you to start working without a long wait.
Lower wear
The optimised bonding system helps use the abrasive particles more efficiently. The stones therefore retain their working properties for a relatively long time, although their flatness still needs to be checked regularly.
Wide range of grits
From coarse repair stones to extremely fine polishing stones. Users can create a progressive sharpening sequence according to the condition of the knife, the steel used and the desired result.
Main SHAPTON sharpening-stone ranges
SHAPTON Kuromaku
Kuromaku is the classic range of solid synthetic sharpening stones. Individual grits are colour-coded, making it easier to distinguish between multiple stones while working. Each stone comes with a practical plastic case that can also be used as a base during sharpening.
SHAPTON GlassStone
The GlassStone range uses a thin abrasive layer firmly bonded to a glass base. The glass support provides dimensional stability and makes even a thin abrasive layer easier to handle. The extensive grit selection allows users to build a progression from basic sharpening to an exceptionally fine finish.
SHAPTON RockStar
RockStar is a modern premium range combining strong abrasive performance, a uniform structure and a finely controlled result. It is also designed for hard blades and users who want fast work without long soaking.
Which SHAPTON grit should you choose?
The brand or product range itself does not influence the result as much as choosing the correct grit. A coarse stone removes steel quickly, while a fine stone smooths the marks left by previous sharpening and refines the finished edge.
| Grit | Suitable use | Who it is suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| #120–#500 | Repairing a damaged edge, changing the bevel and working on a very dull knife. | More experienced users and repair sharpening. |
| #1000 | Restoring ordinary working sharpness and creating a new cutting edge. | The best first stone for most kitchen knives. |
| #1500–#3000 | Smoothing the bevel and providing a finer finish after basic sharpening. | Home cooks and more demanding users. |
| #4000–#8000 | Fine finishing and polishing of high-quality kitchen knives. | Japanese knives and blades requiring a smooth finish. |
| #12000–#16000 | Extremely fine specialised polishing after the previous stages. | Experienced sharpeners and specific edge-surface requirements. |
A simple recommendation for beginners
When buying your first sharpening stone, begin with #1000 grit. Add a #3000 stone for a finer finish. A coarse stone around #320 or #500 makes sense when the edge is damaged or significantly dull.
Maintaining SHAPTON sharpening stones
During sharpening, the working surface of every water stone gradually wears and may become hollow in the centre. An uneven stone makes it harder to control the angle and can result in an irregular bevel. It is therefore important to clean the surface continuously and flatten it when necessary.
- Moisten the stone before use according to the instructions for the specific range.
- Keep sufficient water on the surface while sharpening.
- Remove sharpening slurry and metal particles after use.
- Check the flatness of the working surface regularly.
- Allow the stone to dry naturally away from direct heat.
- Store the dry stone so that it cannot fall or suffer mechanical damage.
Holders, lapping tools, cleaning discs and other equipment can be found in the sharpening accessories category.
Would you like to learn how to sharpen correctly?
A high-quality sharpening stone is only part of the solution. Maintaining a stable angle, creating a burr, applying pressure correctly and progressing through the individual grits are equally important.
View the knife-sharpening course ›Frequently asked questions about SHAPTON
Where does the SHAPTON brand come from?
SHAPTON is a Japanese company based in the town of Mashiko in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
What makes SHAPTON sharpening stones special?
They stand out for their fast abrasive action, high abrasive content, good dimensional stability and wide choice of grits.
Do SHAPTON stones require long soaking?
Usually not. SHAPTON stones are designed for quick use after the surface has been moistened with water. Always follow the instructions for the specific product.
Which SHAPTON stone should I choose first?
For ordinary kitchen knives, #1000 is the most universal grit. It restores the working edge without removing material as aggressively as repair stones.
What is the difference between Kuromaku, GlassStone and RockStar?
Kuromaku stones are classic solid, colour-coded stones in a case. GlassStone uses an abrasive layer on a glass base. RockStar is a modern premium range with fast and even abrasive action.
Are SHAPTON stones suitable for hard Japanese steels?
Yes. A correctly selected SHAPTON stone can also be used on many hard Japanese steels. The appropriate grit, a stable angle and moderate pressure are decisive.
Can tools also be sharpened on SHAPTON stones?
Yes. Depending on the chosen range and grit, they can also be used to sharpen chisels, plane irons and other cutting tools.
Why does a sharpening stone need to be flattened?
The stone may wear unevenly during use. A flat surface improves angle control, blade contact and the consistency of the finished bevel.
Need help choosing?
We will help you select a suitable SHAPTON range and progressive grits according to the knife type, condition of the edge and your experience. Contact Dellinger on +420 702 049 048 on working days between 7:30–16:00.
Product sorting
List of products
The Shapton Glass sharpening stone with a JIS #2000 7.35 micron grit is suitable for stainless steel. The GlassStone series of sharpening stones utilizes a revolutionary design,...