Grinding stones SHAPTON
Japanese synthetic sharpening stones
SHAPTON sharpening stones
Fast and precise sharpening, from repairing a damaged edge and creating a working bevel to very fine polishing. Choose from the Kuromaku, GlassStone or RockStar ranges.
SHAPTON is a Japanese manufacturer of synthetic water sharpening stones and edge-maintenance accessories. Its stones are used by chefs, professional sharpeners, craftspeople and home enthusiasts who require fast material removal, precisely defined grit and repeatable results.
This category includes three main product ranges: practical colour-coded Kuromaku stones, low-profile professional GlassStone stones on a glass base and the modern RockStar range with fast sharpening and polishing performance.
The wide grit range allows you to create a complete sharpening progression: from coarse stones for repairing a damaged bevel, through the universal #1000 grit, to fine stones for finishing and polishing high-quality European and Japanese knives.
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Why choose SHAPTON?
Fast abrasive action
The stones work effectively even on harder knife steels. With correct technique, excessive pressure is not required.
Consistent performance
Precisely controlled synthetic abrasive provides predictable material removal and makes it easier to reproduce the result during every sharpening session.
Wide grit range
From coarse #120 to #500 stones, through the universal #1000 grit, to fine #6000, #8000, #12000 and #16000 grits.
Knives and craft tools
A suitable range and grit can be used for kitchen knives, Japanese blades, chisels, plane irons and other tools with a sharpened bevel.
Which SHAPTON range should you choose?
SHAPTON Kuromaku
Colour-coded stones in a practical plastic case. Each colour represents a specific grit. The range offers a very broad selection, from coarse repair stones to fine polishing grits.
Suitable for: a first high-quality stone, home sharpening, a broad sharpening setup and easy identification of different grits.
View SHAPTON Kuromaku ›SHAPTON GlassStone
A thin abrasive layer is bonded to a solid tempered-glass base. This construction supports stability, compact dimensions and precise work, including with fine grits.
Suitable for: professional use, harder steels, precise blade guidance and fine edge finishing.
View SHAPTON GlassStone ›SHAPTON RockStar
A modern premium range with fast sharpening and polishing performance. It offers progressive grits for restoring a working edge, refining it and completing the final finish.
Suitable for: demanding home users, professionals and complete sharpening systems.
View SHAPTON RockStar ›| Range | Construction | Main advantage | Typical user |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuromaku | Colour-coded stone in a plastic case | Wide grit range and easy identification | Beginner or experienced sharpener |
| GlassStone | Abrasive layer on a glass base | Stable, low-profile professional construction | Professional or demanding user |
| RockStar | Modern synthetic sharpening stone | Fast sharpening and polishing action | Enthusiast or professional chef |
How to choose a SHAPTON grit
| JIS grit | Use | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| #120–#320 | Coarse repair and rapid bevel adjustment | Damaged, chipped or extremely dull edge |
| #500–#1000 | Basic sharpening and restoring cutting performance | Normally dull kitchen knives |
| #1500–#3000 | Refining and smoothing the bevel | A cleaner working edge after basic sharpening |
| #4000–#8000 | Fine finishing and polishing | High-quality Japanese knives and a smoother cut |
| #12000–#16000 | Specialised ultra-fine polishing | Razors, precision tools and experienced users |
First stone: start around #1000
When the edge is not damaged and you are looking for one universal stone, #1000 is the most practical starting point. Add a coarser stone for repairs and a finer stone for finishing.
Recommended stone combinations
Minimum for home sharpening
#1000 for restoring the working edge of normally dull kitchen knives.
Universal two-step setup
#1000 + #3000 for basic sharpening followed by refining the working edge.
Finer Japanese finish
#1000 + #3000 + #6000 or #8000 for restoring, refining and final finishing of high-quality knives.
Repair setup
#320 or #500 + #1000 + #3000 for damaged or long-neglected edges, followed by creating a clean working bevel.
How to use SHAPTON stones
- Place the stone on a stable, non-slip holder.
- Prepare the working surface with water according to the instructions for the specific range.
- Guide the knife smoothly at a consistent angle.
- Do not use excessive pressure – SHAPTON stones work quickly.
- Check for burr formation along the entire length of the edge.
- Before moving to a finer grit, rinse the knife, your hands and the working area.
- Clean the stone after sharpening and allow it to dry naturally.
Use coarse stones carefully
The #120, #220 and #320 grits remove material very quickly. They are usually unnecessary for routine resharpening of an undamaged kitchen knife.
Cleaning and flattening the stones
During use, a sharpening stone becomes clogged with metal particles and may gradually develop a hollow. A clogged or uneven surface slows sharpening and makes it harder to control the sharpening angle.
Routine cleaning
To remove metal marks and lightly refresh the surface, use the compact double-sided SHAPTON 0505 disc.
View the SHAPTON 0505 cleaning disc ›Thorough flattening
To restore the flatness of a more heavily worn stone, use the SHAPTON Naoru cast-iron plate with coarse and medium powder.
View the SHAPTON Naoru lapping plate ›Learn how to sharpen correctly on stones
In our knife-sharpening course, you will learn how to maintain the angle, create a burr, progress through different grits and care for the flatness of the sharpening stone.
View the sharpening course ›Not sure which range or grit to choose?
Call us on +420 702 049 048, Monday to Friday between 7:30–16:00. We will recommend a suitable stone according to the knife type, condition of the edge and your sharpening experience.
Frequently asked questions about SHAPTON stones
Which SHAPTON stone should I buy first?
The most universal first choice is #1000 grit for basic sharpening of normally dull kitchen knives.
What is the difference between Kuromaku, GlassStone and RockStar?
Kuromaku offers colour-coded stones in a case, GlassStone has a low abrasive layer on glass, and RockStar is a modern, fast sharpening and polishing range.
Are SHAPTON stones suitable for Japanese knives?
Yes. Choose a suitable grit and respect the original edge geometry of the specific knife during sharpening.
When do I need a coarse stone?
When repairing chips, dealing with an extremely dull edge or changing the bevel. For routine maintenance, a stone around #1000 is usually sufficient.
What is #3000 grit used for?
It refines the marks left by basic sharpening and creates a smoother but still practical working edge.
Do I need an #8000 stone or finer?
Only when you require a very fine finish. These stones are used only after prior sharpening on a lower grit.
Are SHAPTON stones used with oil?
We recommend using water and following the instructions provided for the specific range and product.
How can I tell that the stone is clogged?
The surface becomes darker and smoother, and the stone starts removing material more slowly. Cleaning it with a suitable disc will help.
How can I tell that the stone needs flattening?
A hollow develops on the working surface, or a pencil-grid test shows that the surface is not wearing evenly.
Can ceramic knives be sharpened on SHAPTON stones?
For ceramic knives, use sharpening products designed specifically for ceramic blades.
Product sorting
List of products
Shapton Kuromaku JIS 1000 Sharpening Stone is a high-quality Japanese stone designed for regular maintenance and sharpening of kitchen knives. You can recognize the K0702 model...
Japanese sharpening stone from the colour-coded stone series SHAPTON Kuromaku. Each colour represents a different grit according to the Japanese JIS standard. The practical...
Sharpening stone from the SHAPTON Kuromaku series of colour-coded Japanese stones. Each colour represents a different grit according to the Japanese JIS standard. The practical...
Japanese sharpening stone from the colour-coded stone series SHAPTON Kuromaku. Each colour represents a different grit according to the Japanese JIS standard. The practical...
Shapton RockStar Professional Kitchen Station is a complete set for sharpening kitchen knives in three consecutive stages. It includes Japanese whetstones JIS #1000, #3000 and...
SHAPTON 0505 double-sided cleaning and dressing disc made from silicon carbide, for removing metal particles, revitalising the grinding surface and lightly levelling water...
Sharpening stone from the SHAPTON Kuromaku series of colour-coded Japanese stones. Each colour represents a different grit according to the Japanese JIS standard. The practical...
Japanese Whetstone from the colour-coded SHAPTON Kuromaku series. Each colour represents a different grit according to the Japanese JIS standard. The practical plastic case...
Japanese whetstone SHAPTON GlassStone JIS #500 for quickly restoring dull blades, carrying out repairs and creating a new bevel. The abrasive layer, containing 29.4 μm...
Premium Japanese grinding stone SHAPTON Rockstar with a very fast grinding and polishing effect. The stone has been produced using Japanese manufacturing technology and is...
Premium Japanese grinding stone SHAPTON Rockstar with a very fast grinding and polishing effect. The stone has been produced using Japanese manufacturing technology and is...
Japanese premium grinding stone SHAPTON RockStar with a very fast grinding and polishing effect. The stone has been produced using Japanese manufacturing technology and is...
The premium Japanese whetstone SHAPTON RockStar JIS #1000 offers fast and effective sharpening. It is suitable even for very hard steels and is ideal for restoring the edge and...
Robust stone holder from the Shapton GlassStone series for enhanced sharpening comfort by raising the sharpening stone off the work surface. Dimensions: 259x86x56 mm. Sharpening...
Cast iron lapping plate for sharpening stones from the Japanese company Shapton with two lapping powders - coarse and medium. Very fast lapping effect. The abrasive is silicon...
Sharpening Japanese whetstone from the colour-coded whetstone series SHAPTON Kuromaku. Each colour represents a different grit according to the Japanese JIS standard. The...
Japanese sharpening stone from the colour-coded SHAPTON Kuromaku series. Each colour represents a different grit according to the Japanese JIS standard. The practical plastic...
A Shapton Glass sharpening stone set with grit sizes JIS #1000, JIS #3000, and JIS #8000, including a stone holder. These stones are suitable for stainless and carbon steel. The...
Japanese sharpening stone Shapton Glass with grit JIS #16000 0.92 micron suitable for stainless steel. The GlassStone series of sharpening stones utilizes a revolutionary...
Shapton Glass grinding stone with JIS 8000 grit. suitable for stainless steel. The GlassStone series of grinding stones uses a revolutionary design, ensuring great usability in...
The Shapton Glass sharpening stone with a JIS #6000 2.45 micron grit is ideal for sharpening stainless steel knives. The GlassStone series of sharpening stones utilizes a...
Japanese sharpening stone Shapton Glass with grit JIS #4000 3.68 micron suitable for stainless steel. The GlassStone series of sharpening stones utilizes a revolutionary design,...
Shapton is constantly innovating and improving their products to stay on the cutting edge of abrasive technology. They are known for their approach based on scientific research and precision manufacturing. Shapton is synonymous with quality and precision in sharpening stones, making them the preferred choice for many professionals and amateurs around the world.