Shapton Rockstar #500

A medium-coarse sharpening stone with grit #500. The stone leaves a matte finish which can certainly provide a sharp result, but benefits from being polished to achieve impressive sharpness. The 500-grit stone is a good all-around stone that removes metal at a relatively fast pace. The Rockstar 500 is slightly coarser than the Shapton Pro 1000 and is often used by those sharpening a relatively dull edge.

Size: Dimensions: 210 x 70 x 12 mm.

According to many, Shapton sharpening stones are 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 the stone maintains its shape very well. The stone requires minimal water and is of the 'splash & Go' type, which means you don't need to soak the stone in water before use. Instead, you pour a palmful of water on it and start sharpening immediately.

We give our warmest recommendations to Shapton Glass Stones. They are superb stones. We recommend using them 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 dry in direct sunlight or with a hairdryer)

3. Do not place the stones against each other while they are drying. They may stick together.

4. Store the stone at room temperature.

What is the difference between Shapton Glass, Pro, and Rockstar?
The stones are relatively similar in performance, and all three series are excellent choices, regardless of ambition level.

Shapton Glass is slightly harder than Pro and therefore wears down a little slower. Glass and Rockstar are relatively similar in hardness. 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 lifespan of the Pro stone is slightly longer than Glass, but Shapton Glass maintains its shape better. Rockstar is thicker than Glass and has a slightly longer lifespan, although there isn't a significant difference.
One advantage of Shapton Pro is that it comes with a holder/case, and 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. Rockstar is also reversible, while Glass is fixed to its glass plate. This, on the other hand, allows you to use the stone all the way down to the adhesive. To summarize, all stones are of the highest conceivable quality and are fully comparable. Which one is best for your needs?