This is a rough comparison of the scratches made by the Shapton Professional stones. I sharpened by hand, using a single Jende Reed Knife for the entire shoot, working up from the #120 to the 30K in order. The Jende Reed Knife is a Medium Carbon Steel RC 60-61, and the steel type is from the Japanese standard SK series. I do not know the equivalent US Standard. It should be noted that results will differ on different metals.
The idea behind these pictures was not to produce high magnification shots of the edge, but more of an normal look at the results. The pictures were taken in the “worst” light so as to really see the surface of the bevel. At the 2K level, there is a hazy mirror, and by the 5K+ there is a full mirror. The 30K was difficult to get the light to not reflect so brightly, and I apologize for the crappy looking bevel on the 1K.
Scratches from the Glass stones (all of them) will follow shortly.
Here is a better picture of the chart.
Excellent work. Together with the other pictures available, this series was instrumental in my decision on which Shapton line to purchase. (can you guess?).
But your side by side comparisons of the three types of grit formulations tested are of course the most useful.
These pictures also confirm reliable appraisals of users for the strengths and weaknesses of each series (forums elsewhere).
Be nice if you have time to re-test with different steel/hardness types as well.
Thanks!!