Japanese #500 SHAPTON GlassStone sharpening stone
Code: SHA-50102HRProduct detailed description
SHAPTON GlassStone #500 – fast restoration of a working edge
A professionally engineered Japanese sharpening stone on a tempered-glass backing for restoring dull knives, repairing the cutting edge and preparing the edge before progressing to finer grits.
SHAPTON GlassStone JIS #500 is a coarser working sharpening stone with particles measuring 29.4 microns. It is suitable for restoring a noticeably dull edge, quickly creating a new bevel and removing marks left by an even coarser repair stone.
The 5 mm thick abrasive layer is firmly bonded to a tempered-glass backing. This supports the flatness of the working surface, limits flexing of the thin stone and provides a stable base for precise blade guidance.
The stone is also suitable for hard knife steels. Thanks to its low water absorption, prolonged soaking is unnecessary – simply wet it with water before sharpening. For stable use, we recommend a suitable sharpening-stone holder.
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When should you use SHAPTON GlassStone #500?
Restoring a dull knife
The #500 grit removes material faster than the versatile #1000 stone, shortening the work required on a more heavily worn edge.
Creating a new bevel
The stone helps correct an uneven angle, restore the geometry of the cutting edge or prepare the bevel before continuing with finer grits.
Transition after a coarse repair
After working on a very coarse #120 to #320 stone, the #500 grit refines deep sharpening marks and prepares the edge for basic sharpening.
Precision glass backing
The tempered-glass backing gives the thin abrasive layer strength, makes handling easier and helps maintain a stable working surface.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SHAPTON |
| Product line | GlassStone |
| Grit | JIS #500 |
| Abrasive-particle size | 29.4 μm |
| Intended use | Coarser sharpening, edge restoration and bevel creation |
| Construction | Abrasive layer on a tempered-glass backing |
| Overall dimensions | 210 × 70 × 10 mm |
| Abrasive-layer thickness | 5 mm |
| Weight | 100 g |
| Country of manufacture | Japan |
| Product code | SHA-50102HR |
| EAN | 4944509501025 |
Where does the #500 grit fit?
| Grit | Use | Result |
|---|---|---|
| #120–#320 | Major repairs, larger chips and geometry changes | A coarsely created or repaired cutting edge |
| #500 | Restoring a dull edge and creating a bevel | Preparation for basic and finer sharpening |
| #1000 | Basic sharpening of a normally dull knife | Usable working edge |
| #2000–#4000 | Refining and smoothing the edge | A cleaner and smoother kitchen cut |
| #6000 and above | Fine finishing and polishing | A very smooth edge for precise cuts |
Is #500 suitable as the only stone?
The stone can create a coarser working edge, but for an ordinary kitchen knife we recommend continuing with at least #1000 grit. This removes the more pronounced marks left by the #500 stone and creates a finer cutting edge.
GlassStone versus Kuromaku
| Feature | GlassStone | Kuromaku |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Thin abrasive layer on a glass backing | Separate, thicker sharpening stone |
| Handling | Rigid low-profile format | Colour-coded stones in plastic cases |
| Main advantage | Stable glass support and precise flatness | Clear identification and practical storage |
| Suitable for | Precise and professionally oriented sharpening | Versatile home and advanced use |
You can compare the colour-coded range in the SHAPTON Kuromaku category.
How to use the stone correctly
- Wet the surface. The stone does not need prolonged soaking; simply pour water over the working surface before sharpening.
- Secure it in a holder. The glass backing strengthens the stone, but it does not replace a non-slip working base.
- Set the correct angle. Respect the knife’s original geometry and maintain the angle throughout the process.
- Use appropriate pressure. The #500 grit removes material relatively quickly, so inspect the bevel regularly.
- Create a continuous burr. Before changing sides, it must be detectable along the full length of the sharpened edge.
- Continue with a finer stone. For a kitchen knife, use at least #1000 grit afterwards.
- Rinse and dry after use. Allow the stone to dry naturally at room temperature.
Take care with the glass backing
Tempered glass provides strength and flatness, but the product must be protected from drops and impacts. Use a stable holder during sharpening and do not press on the protruding edges of the glass backing.
Who is the stone suitable for?
- restoring noticeably dull kitchen knives,
- creating or adjusting the basic bevel,
- preparing the edge before a #1000 stone and finer grits,
- Japanese and European knife steels, including harder steels,
- experienced home users and professional sharpeners,
- suitable chisels, woodworking tools and gardening equipment.
Who is it not suitable for?
The #500 stone is not intended for final fine finishing of the edge or as a regular maintenance stone for a knife that is still relatively sharp. It is not suitable for ceramic knives. For deep chips, cracks or valuable collector’s blades, we recommend professional sharpening.
Cleaning, drying and flattening
After sharpening, rinse the working surface with clean water and remove the sharpening slurry and metal particles. Allow the stone to air-dry. Do not use intense heat and do not store it in water for prolonged periods.
Although the glass backing keeps the overall construction rigid, the abrasive layer itself can become hollow with use. Check the flatness regularly and flatten the surface with a suitable tool when required.
Learn to sharpen correctly on stones
During our practical course, you will learn how to choose the right grit, maintain the sharpening angle, create a burr and progress correctly to finer stones.
Need help choosing your stones?
Call us at +420 702 049 048, Monday to Friday between 7:30 and 16:00. We will recommend a suitable grit progression based on the condition of the knife, the type of steel and the desired result.
Frequently asked questions
What is SHAPTON GlassStone #500 used for?
It is used to restore a noticeably dull edge, create a bevel and refine the marks left by a very coarse repair stone.
Can sharpening be finished on the #500 stone?
For an ordinary kitchen knife, we recommend continuing with at least #1000 grit, which refines the deeper sharpening marks.
Does GlassStone need to be soaked in advance?
Prolonged soaking is unnecessary. Wet the working surface with water before use and keep it wet during sharpening.
How large are the abrasive particles?
The JIS #500 grit of this stone corresponds to an abrasive-particle size of 29.4 microns.
Why is the stone attached to glass?
The tempered-glass backing strengthens the thin abrasive layer, limits flexing and provides a precise, flat base.
Is the stone suitable for hard Japanese steels?
Yes. GlassStone is also suitable for hard knife steels, provided that the correct angle and working procedure are maintained.
Can it be used for ceramic knives?
No. Ceramic blades require sharpening media designed specifically for ceramic material.
Do I need a separate holder?
Yes. For safe and stable use, we recommend a suitable non-slip or adjustable sharpening-stone holder.
Does the abrasive layer need flattening?
Yes. The glass backing does not flex, but the abrasive layer can wear unevenly with use and may require flattening.
How should the stone be stored correctly?
After sharpening, rinse it, allow it to dry completely at room temperature and store it so that the glass backing is protected from impact.
Additional parameters
| Category: | Shapton Glass – Stones on Glass Base |
|---|---|
| Warranty: | 2 years |
| Weight: | 0.1 kg |
| EAN: | 4944509501025 |
| production: | Japan |
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.
| EU representative of the manufacturer : | Dellinger s.r.o. |
|---|---|
| Address of the EU representative : | Rižská 1580/7 102 00 Praha |
| Email of the EU representative : | saleseu@dellinger.cz |