Shapton Glass – Stones on Glass Base
Professional Japanese sharpening stones
SHAPTON GlassStone – stones on a glass base
Fast, precise and consistent sharpening, from restoring a dull edge to very fine polishing. Low water absorption, a stable glass base and JIS grits from #500 to #16000.
SHAPTON GlassStone is a professional range of Japanese synthetic sharpening stones for users who require fast abrasive action, precise blade guidance and repeatable results. The abrasive layer is firmly bonded to a tempered-glass base, which provides stability and helps limit deformation.
GlassStone stones have low water absorption and do not require prolonged soaking. Simply wet the working surface with water before use and you can begin sharpening. This is appreciated by professional chefs, sharpeners and home enthusiasts who want the stone to be ready for use quickly.
The range includes grits from JIS #500 for faster edge restoration through #2000, #4000, #6000 and #8000 stones to the specialised #16000 polishing stone. A complete set and the original heavy SHAPTON GlassStone holder are also available.
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Why choose SHAPTON GlassStone?
Fast abrasive action
The consistent synthetic abrasive removes material effectively, even from harder knife steels. Excessive pressure is not required to achieve the desired result.
Solid glass base
The tempered-glass base supports the abrasive layer, increases the stone’s stability and makes it easier to handle safely, even when only a thinner abrasive layer remains.
Quick preparation
The stone does not need prolonged soaking. Simply wet the working surface with water and keep it moist as required during sharpening.
Grits for the complete sharpening process
The range covers restoration of a working edge, progressive refinement and very fine polishing. You can create a progression according to the type of knife and the desired result.
Which SHAPTON GlassStone grit should you choose?
The lower the JIS number, the coarser the stone and the faster it removes material. A higher number means a finer surface and lower material removal. However, a fine stone does not replace basic sharpening – restoring a very dull knife on #8000 or #16000 grit is inefficient.
| Grit | Main use | When to choose it | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| JIS #500 | Faster edge restoration and bevel formation | A significantly dull knife without deep damage | #1000 to #2000 |
| JIS #2000 | Working edge and smoothing after a coarser stone | Everyday kitchen knives and a practical working finish | #4000 to #6000 |
| JIS #4000 | Fine sharpening and a smoother bevel | Quality kitchen and Japanese knives | Finish here or continue with #6000 |
| JIS #6000 | Fine finish and refinement of the cutting edge | Harder steels and thinner kitchen blades | Finish here or continue with #8000 |
| JIS #8000 | Very fine finishing and polishing | Japanese knives, fine cutting and a smooth bevel | Final step |
| JIS #16000 | Specialised, extremely fine polishing | Experienced users, razors and a specialised finish | Final polishing |
A simple rule
For a dull knife, begin with a #500 stone or a basic grit around #1000. For a practical kitchen edge, continue with #2000 to #4000. Use grits from #6000 to #16000 only as finishing steps.
Available sharpening stones and accessories
SHAPTON GlassStone JIS #500
A coarser stone for faster restoration of a dull edge, forming a new bevel and preparing the edge for a finer grit.
View the #500 stone ›SHAPTON GlassStone JIS #2000
Medium-fine sharpening and creation of a practical working edge on kitchen knives.
View the #2000 stone ›SHAPTON GlassStone JIS #4000
Fine sharpening, smoothing of the bevel and a practical finish for quality kitchen knives.
View the #4000 stone ›SHAPTON GlassStone JIS #6000
A fine finish for harder steels, Japanese knives and a smoother cutting edge.
View the #6000 stone ›SHAPTON GlassStone JIS #8000
Very fine final sharpening and polishing of the edge after previous work on a lower grit.
View the #8000 stone ›SHAPTON GlassStone JIS #16000
A specialised polishing stone for an extremely fine edge finish after the preceding sharpening steps have been completed correctly.
View the #16000 stone ›Complete sharpening solutions
SHAPTON GlassStone #1000, #3000 and #8000 set
Three progressive grits for creating a working edge, refining it and final polishing. A sharpening-stone holder is also included in the set.
View the complete set ›Original SHAPTON GlassStone holder
The robust holder raises the low-profile stone above the worktop, creates space for your hands and provides a more stable sharpening base thanks to its non-slip feet.
View the GlassStone holder ›How to use SHAPTON GlassStone
- Place the stone on a stable, non-slip holder.
- Wet the working surface with clean water.
- Guide the knife at a constant angle and without excessive pressure.
- Work evenly along the entire length of the edge.
- Before moving to a finer grit, rinse the knife, your hands and the working surface.
- Add water as required during sharpening.
- After use, rinse the stone and allow it to dry naturally.
Do not use oil
Use SHAPTON GlassStone stones with water. Oil may alter the behaviour of the stone and make subsequent cleaning and use more difficult.
GlassStone, Kuromaku or RockStar?
| Range | Construction | Who it is suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| GlassStone | Abrasive layer on a glass base | For precise professional performance, low water absorption and a compact design |
| Kuromaku | Colour-coded stones in a practical case | For a wide selection of grits and easy identification |
| RockStar | Modern premium range without a glass base | For fast sharpening and polishing action and progressive sharpening systems |
Caring for GlassStone stones
- Remove sharpening slurry and metal particles after sharpening.
- Rinse the stone with clean water.
- Allow it to dry naturally away from direct heat sources.
- Store it only after it has dried completely.
- Protect both the abrasive layer and glass base from drops and impacts.
- Regularly check the cleanliness and flatness of the working surface.
- Clean a clogged or uneven surface with a suitable cleaning or flattening tool.
Learn how to sharpen correctly on stones
During our knife-sharpening course, you will learn to maintain the correct angle, monitor burr formation and progress between individual grits so that you can use the stone’s true potential.
View the sharpening course ›Not sure which grit to choose?
Call us on +420 702 049 048, Monday to Friday between 7:30–16:00. We will recommend a suitable progression according to the type of knife, the condition of the edge and the desired result.
Frequently asked questions about SHAPTON GlassStone
What is SHAPTON GlassStone?
It is a Japanese synthetic sharpening stone with an abrasive layer mounted on a stable tempered-glass base.
Does GlassStone need to be soaked before sharpening?
Prolonged soaking is not required. Simply wet the working surface with water before use.
Which grit should I choose for a dull kitchen knife?
For a significantly dull edge, use #500 or a basic stone around #1000. Then continue with a finer grit.
Is #8000 suitable as the only sharpening stone?
Not for a dull knife. The #8000 grit is intended primarily for final refinement and polishing after previous sharpening.
Are the stones suitable for Japanese knives?
Yes. They are suitable for many Japanese knives and harder steels. However, the original edge geometry must be respected.
Can GlassStone be used with oil?
We recommend using water only. Oil may make cleaning and subsequent use of the stone more difficult.
Why is it advisable to use a holder?
The holder raises the low-profile stone above the worktop, creates space for your hands and provides a more stable base for guiding the knife.
How should the stone be cleaned after sharpening?
Rinse it with clean water, remove the sharpening slurry and allow it to dry naturally.
Is #16000 grit suitable for everyone?
It is a specialised polishing stone for more experienced users and extremely fine finishing after the previous sharpening steps.
Can ceramic knives be sharpened on GlassStone?
For ceramic knives, we recommend using sharpening media designed specifically for ceramic blades.
Product sorting
List of products
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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,...
Listing controls
Each stone is mounted on a glass base to ensure even wear and long life. The glass base also adds stability and resistance to deformation.