SHAPTON-60315
Shapton's new RockStar stones cut fast, are very hard and long-lasting and leave a superb edge. They're a real pleasure to use, and extremely consistent. Everyone loves Shapton Stones for their high quality and excellent performance!
The abrasive is extremely consistent and dense so you have a great feel and can produce very precise and clean edges, plus these have the convenience of splash-and-go sharpening (do NOT soak these stones).
These are essentially the same as Glass Stones, but double the thickness and with no glass backing plate, so while they have the potential to last longer because of the additional abrasive material, they could also be more fragile, so care should of course be taken when handling, using and storing them. If there is any difference between the RockStar and Glass Stones, the RockStar could be a bit softer and more prone to building mud (this is neither better nor worse, just a bit different) due to the required differences in manufacturing processes (but Shapton assures us that any differences should be VERY minimal and these should really be considered functionally identical to Glass Stones).
As with all magnesia-bonded stones, they are more prone to cracking than other types of bonding, so you should be sure to let them dry slowly (wrap in a damp cloth if need be, but be careful about enclosing them fully for long periods and having mold form), and keep them out of direct sunlight and avoid extremes of hot and cold. NEVER let them freeze or sit in the sun.
The Shapton stone holder (sold separately) is designed to fit these stones perfectly and is quite heavy and tall, providing a great workstation. The more affordable Naniwa universal/adjustable stone holder also works fine for these stones. As metal particles become embedded in the surface it won't sharpen as well, so a quick clean with a Shapton or Naniwa nagura/dressing stone will bring it back to full performance. And as you use the stone it's natural that it will dish (become concave) and so will need flattening.
Dimensions: 210mm x 70mm, 10mm thick. No case or stand included.
Shapton # 60315
Made in Japan.
Be sure to check out the Shapton FAQ.
Collections: NEW, Shapton RockStar Stones
Category: Knife Sharpeners, New Items, Shapton RockStar Stones, Sharpening Stones
I purchased the Shapton Rockstar 320 mid February and overall it's a great stone. The 320 is a nice in-between grit. Sometimes a knife does not require a 220 but needs something slightly more aggressive than a 400-500.
I have been using this stone every day for over a month. I also flatten my stones often to make sure they are as flat as possible. This stone however does not dish out fast. It takes quite some time and many knives for the 320 to dish. As always Shapton has once again produced a quality stone. If you like the Shapton glass series of stone, you will definitely enjoy using the Rockstar stones.
These stones are also very reasonably priced for what you get. No they aren't quite as thick as a Naniwa but they also don't cost as much. Give the 320 a try, you won't be disappointed.
