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First, remove the stone from its box and place it on a stone base. This can be either the top of the box itself , the optional Compact Lapping Base. Put the printed face down on the Professional series.

Apply water to the top of the stone and begin sharpening. As you are sharpening, continue to apply clean water to the surface. Try to work the entire surface area evenly.

Occasionally peel the cover off of the lapping base (optional) and lap the surface of the stone using the appropriate Shapton powder to maintain a flat sharpening surface.

Always clean your tools and stones before moving up to the next stage in your process. Carrying coarse grit or other materials under your fingernails can cause errant scratches in your surfaces. These stones are very dense and particles will remain on top of the surface if not cleansed carefully.

The most important concept when using the Shapton system is achieving consistency at a given grit level before moving up to the next finer stone. At the 2000 grit level, your tool should be perfectly shaped. It is ineffective to attempt to reshape your tool at any finer grit level. If you have built a good foundation at the coarse grit level, very little work will be required at the finer grit levels.

Sharpening is an attempt at perfection. The most interesting aspect of sharpening is the reflection of the infinite

Caring for Shapton Stones

One of the main virtues of Shapton stones is not having to leave them in water. You simply splash water on the stone and begin the sharpening process. We suggest a pressurized squirt bottle from your local hardware store. It is important to remember NOT to leave your Shapton stones in water.

Oil is the enemy of a waterstone. It is important to clean your knives and tools carefully before starting the sharpening process. Oil will clog the pores of the stone and significantly reduce the cutting action. Light surface oil can be removed from the stone by lapping it on the Shapton "Naoru" lapping plate (optional), or with the Shapton honing disc (optional).

Most Shapton stones are sold with a plastic combination base and storage case. This case is very convenient for storage and functions nicely as a base for the stone when sharpening. We suggest doubling a paper towel and laying it in the top of the base under the stone before sharpening. This will help secure the stone and keep the box clean.

First Use

The first time your stone is used, the black sealent will come off of it. This is normal, and does not damage your stone.

Storing the Stone

When finished with the stone, store it in the plastic container that it came in. This will help prevent the stone from developing hairline cracks. These cracks will not affect the performance of the stone, however.

The Shapton Stones come with a foam insert in the box for shipping. Please discard this foam insert after you receive your stone.

Loading up or impaction

If your stone seems to glaze over, it is impacted with many small particles of steel or iron, and possibly oil. We call this "loading up". Shapton stones have been carefully engineered to resist loading up. However, using the stone too dry without water will cause it to load up. Keeping fresh water on the stone during the sharpening process will cleanse the surface.

Flatness

Flatness is the key to successful sharpening. How flat is your stone? How flat do you keep it? How do you flatten it? These are very important questions for any knife or tool sharpener. Shapton recommends using their patented combination stone base/lapping plate. These plates are used with carborundum powder to lap the surface of the waterstones during use. The process is very quick and effective. Anyone can master it in a few moments.