Thread: Hones, What's the Diff?

And I thought my wife was the only one that thought I was anal about shaving!

While I can shave off of an 8K Norton (after using some CrO paste) I normally use at least a yellow coticule to get a slightly more comfortable shave. But then there are the days that I am feeling particularly anal and I may use an Thuringen followed by a Japanese Nakiyama.

Originally Posted by d. m. ellington

I am planning on purchasing several hones just to see if I am missing anything and increase my knowledge.

Besides its fun.

I for one think it's absolutely wonderful to have another extremely experienced and therefore wise straight razor shaver; three decades of experience? I love it!

I sir, will be dying to hear how you report your experiences with a finishing stone of any kind in comparison with your barber hones that you're clearly adept at using.

If you pay shipping both ways, I'd be more than happy to loan you a Chinese 12000 grit stone and a Belgian Coticule to try for a month.

In case I get slammed with PMs from others asking for this offer, I'm extending D.M. this offer because of his mastery of the barber hone with decades of exclusive use, the fact that he's not used other types of hones/stones and ultimately because I'd love to have HIS opinion on what he thinks finishing stones like I mentioned do in relation to his time tested honing methods.

Chris L

Thank you so much for the offer. I have it on good authority that Santa Claus has a Chinese 1200 and a Shapton 1600 in his sled with my name on it.

I owe a lot to the old barbers I met years ago and they were fine men, willing to share their knowledge.

I have learned so much since joining this group. It has opened up a whole new world for me.

The people I have corresponded with have been great and I am all for trying new methods.

I don't know that I have that much knowledge, I was just following instructions from old wiser experts.
Wish I had listened to more old wiser men in my youth, it would have smoothed out a lot of crooked road.

Again thanks for the offer.

You guys are great! !

dewayne

No problem, Dewayne. I'm still excited to hear from you in regard to how you think the finer grit stones relate in comparison to your long used barber hone. Keep us posted!

Chris L

This is not a threadjack, but to add to the discussion of different hones. I have finally gotten a razor to what I believe is the equivalent sharpness of the two razors I bought from Lynn. Needless to say, I was ecstatic. So hopefully it's all good from here on out. (yeah, right) I used Norton 1K, 4K, 8K, and the Chinese 12K with slurry. I did not use paste. I recently dropped my Norton 4/8 on the concrete and broke it. I cut it up and made several small hones with it. Then ordered A yellow and blue coticule from Ardennes. So I guess, as you buy and experiment with hones and shaving, you'll really want to see what it's like to use other stones. Then, you'll feel more comfortable, and you'll know a little more about honing.