Thread: what is the grit size of a barber hone?

It seems that people never mention a grit size for barber hones. Is it maybe because all barber hones are the same grit size, so no one mentions it, or that they are classified in a completely different method?

Speaking of which, what makes a hone a "barber" hone? Are they all the same type of stone?

Still trying to wrap my head around all the info out there! Thanks.

There is much discussion about the grits of barber hones. To the best of my knowledge, most barber hones are of a finer grit such as 12,000. I'm sure some vary slightly depending on make and year made. I have an 1800's barber hone and by "feel" I would say it is around 12,000-16,000 grit. That is just roughly comparing it to the feel of my norton 8000 and the feel of chrome ox which is around a 30,000 grit. As far as what makes a barber hone and barber hone, basically they are smaller, finer grit hones used to touch up a barbers razor between major honing. They were very commonly used back when barbers used straight razors regularly.

they are not the same grit size. the best way to find out what approximately grit barber hones you have just use it and check the edge.good luck

they are vastly different and no one rally knows

yes, that IS an answer

if you want a good idea go with a well known name like Swaty for example

I seem to have declared this several times lately but it fits here as well. The grit size is not the end all be all of a hone. For some reason, the "character" of the grit has to be considered. Different hones cut differently even if they have the same apparent grit size. In general, you only use a few (3 to 5) strokes for a touch up with a barber hone. Just remember that the purpose of a barber hone is for maintenance of an already sharp razor, not for making a razor sharp.