I have a those Shapton Kuromaku stones, and if you want to try something new I would recommend trying some Mikawa Nagura for some things.
I've had good results with Botan on the courser stones, and some Mejiro with the 5k. I have "a few" and the pure white seems softer than the "special grade" or "advanced". You do need to be careful as they do abrade the base stone, but just a little Botan on the 1k makes it feel nicer and more like the luxurious feel of a Naniwa Chosera 1k.
Th 8k with a little soaking and some slurry feels like velvet compared to the 1k and 5k (I feel the 2k is pretty nice) but the Nagura gets you some of that nicer feel. Scratch pattern seems softer too.
If you can buy one of each for say $30 they could be something to try if you're into "the experience", your results WILL vary but it's another interesting variable.
On the courser side the SP120 is course, but with a slurry (which forms easily!) starts to feel smooth enough, but I have to wonder if a diamond plate would just be better. I have the feeling it's construction is like the glass stones and not magnesia bound, I could be wrong there.
GS320 feels nice to me, probably too close to the 500 though.
If you like the feel of the Shapton 16k then a JNAT could be another option and rabbit hole!
I've had good results with Botan on the courser stones, and some Mejiro with the 5k. I have "a few" and the pure white seems softer than the "special grade" or "advanced". You do need to be careful as they do abrade the base stone, but just a little Botan on the 1k makes it feel nicer and more like the luxurious feel of a Naniwa Chosera 1k.
Th 8k with a little soaking and some slurry feels like velvet compared to the 1k and 5k (I feel the 2k is pretty nice) but the Nagura gets you some of that nicer feel. Scratch pattern seems softer too.
If you can buy one of each for say $30 they could be something to try if you're into "the experience", your results WILL vary but it's another interesting variable.
On the courser side the SP120 is course, but with a slurry (which forms easily!) starts to feel smooth enough, but I have to wonder if a diamond plate would just be better. I have the feeling it's construction is like the glass stones and not magnesia bound, I could be wrong there.
GS320 feels nice to me, probably too close to the 500 though.
If you like the feel of the Shapton 16k then a JNAT could be another option and rabbit hole!