Thread: Touching up and maintaining a fresh edge

I have no where near the expertise of the other posters, but here are my thoughts. The Nani 12k is a great stone and easy to learn and use. The Nani is expensive, but I don't think you will later end up thinking that you need something better and then have to buy something else. Buy once, cry once.

I would suggest a 6" x 2" black arkansas from Dan's whetstones. About $70 and you might find one slightly cheaper on ebay.

I have been using a coticule since I started using straight 3 years ago to touch up my razors. I haven't had to sent any razors for honing so it works for me. My
Coticule is not a rectangular shape and I got it for less than $100 shipped to me.

would either of these be any good at touching up or are they too flawed?
Shumate Dry Barber & Franz Swaty Hones Lot of 2 | eBay

I would say that Shumate looks to be in really good condition, just needs to be cleaned up a bit. The Swaty is a tiny bit rough, but most likely serviceable. It's in better condition than mine was when I bought it.

Either can be used just fine. The back side of the Swaty is in better shape. Don't lap them, just clean them up with a scotchbrite pad.

Do you think they are any better than a carborundum? Is cleaning them difficult ? Sorry for all the questions and thank you for all the help.

Originally Posted by Marshal

I would say that Shumate looks to be in really good condition, just needs to be cleaned up a bit. The Swaty is a tiny bit rough, but most likely serviceable. It's in better condition than mine was when I bought it.

+1 to what Utopian said. When I said clean up, I meant soap, water, & scotch brite pad. Not lapping.

I haven't used a Carborundum. So I can't comment there. Utopian may be able to answer that though.

Originally Posted by Canuckshaver

I have been using a coticule since I started using straight 3 years ago to touch up my razors. I haven't had to sent any razors for honing so it works for me. My
Coticule is not a rectangular shape and I got it for less than $100 shipped to me.

Once you get the hang of it, a coticule is the only stone you need for most sharpening tasks

Originally Posted by Marshal

+1 to what Utopian said. When I said clean up, I meant soap, water, & scotch brite pad. Not lapping.

I haven't used a Carborundum. So I can't comment there. Utopian may be able to answer that though.

I was not correcting you about the lapping. It's just my go-to admonition for barber hones.

Regarding Carborundums, they vary dramatically. You cannot go wrong with anything ranging from 101 to 106. Any others, feel free to ask me. Most critically, be aware that not all Carborundums are for razors. Conveniently, the ones for razor hones are identified as razor hones. Any hone that is identified as a sharpening hone is not appropriate for razors.