Shapton Glass #500

A coarse/medium sharpening stone with a #500 grit. It repairs nicks in the edge and is also suitable for thinning out an edge. This stone is not quite as coarse as the coarser stones and can also be used as a medium-coarse stone for those who want to quickly sharpen a new primary edge. You can use the knife directly after #500, but the edge will be rough, dull, and difficult to get truly sharp. On the other hand, it will have an incredible bite that is fantastically good when you need to cut through the skin of a tomato. If you also strop the knife, the sharpness can actually become really good despite it being a medium-coarse stone. 

Grit #500
Dimensions: 210 x 70 x 11 mm. 

The stone comes mounted on a 5 mm thick glass plate. The stone itself is approx. 6 mm.

Shapton glass stones are, according to many, the absolute best stones on the market. They remove metal very efficiently, and the stones are very hard. The hard ceramic wears down very slowly and therefore does not need to be particularly thick. The stone consumes minimal water and is of the 'splash & Go' type, which means you do not soak the stone in water before use. Instead, you pour a palmful of water on it and start sharpening immediately.

We give Shapton Glass Stones our warmest recommendations. It is an outstandingly good stone. We recommend using it with this sharpening stone holder:
http://www.cleancut.se/butik/knivslipning/slipstenshallare/slipstenshallare-detail

 Care instructions:

1. Rinse the stone in cold water after use. Never use dish soap or hot water.

2. Wipe the stone with a lint-free cloth and then let the stone air dry at room temperature (Do not let it dry in direct sunlight or with a hairdryer)

3. Let the surface of the stone lie with the ceramic facing upwards when drying, and never store it so that it rests against another stone.

4. Store the stone at room temperature.

5. If the glass breaks, do not use the stone anymore. However, the glass is very hard and only breaks under significant stress.

What is the difference between Shapton Glass and Shapton Pro?
The stones are relatively similar in performance, and both are very good choices, regardless of ambition level.
Both stones are of the 'Splash & Go' type and therefore do not require soaking in water. Just splash on some water and start sharpening. 
Shapton Glass is slightly harder than Pro and therefore wears down a little slower. A hard stone is practical as you don't need to flatten it as often. On the other hand, the Pro stone is thicker. We estimate that the Pro stone's lifespan is slightly longer, but Shapton Glass holds its shape better.
One advantage of Shapton Pro is that it comes with a holder/case and that the stone is reversible. This means you can use both sides of the stone, which can be practical if you have a nick in the stone or if it has lost its shape.
To summarize, both stones are of the highest possible quality and are fully comparable. Which stone is best for your needs?