Thread: Multiple hones, why?

This is a related question to dwarven chef's question but its out of context there. I ask becuase I do not quite understand why one would need multiple hones.

Different hones are used for different purposes. A 1K grit hone would be used to quickly set a bevel. A 4K/8K would then be used to bring the blade up to where it is close to shave ready. Coticles, Eschers, Chinese , etc are then used to polish and refine the edges. Barber hones can be used to touch up an already shave ready blade.


Hope this is the answer you are looking for

Ah, I had a feeling there was something that I did not uderstand.

Multiple hones are needed because the grit rating of each is different. The grit rating is how aggressively it will remove steel. In order to shave with a razor comfortably, the edge must be finished using a hone with a high grit rating that will produce a nice smooth shaving sharp edge.

The problem is that these high grit finishing hones remove metal very slowly, which is also why they leave such a polished and fine edge. If someone tried to sharpen a dull razor with a finishing hone, it would take a very very long time. In order to remove the steel in an efficient manner, we start with a lower grit, more aggressive stone to form a bevel, and gradually use less aggressive stones until we are giving it the final polish with the high grit stone(s).

If a razor is already pretty sharp, then only one (finishing) stone would be needed to keep it sharp. The multiple grit rating hones are only needed when sharpening dull razors.

It's just like using sandpaper. You start with a low grit and work your way up.

So those are the reasons why multiple stones are needed.

Now, most of us have many stones that essentially are supposed to do the same thing - the same estimated grit ratings. If they are really similar to each other, then you might ask, why do we have "duplicates" ? It's because each of them puts a different feeling edge on the razors, because some razors seem to sharpen better on certain hones, and because we are addicted to seeking out the next best hone that will put an even better edge on our razors.

Another thing I did not understand.

Originally Posted by jbcohen

This is a related question to dwarven chef's question but its out of context there.

I am sure it is. I have no idea why it would not be here, too, though.

Originally Posted by jbcohen

I ask becuase I do not quite understand why one would need multiple hones.

One of the many wonderful things about SRP is that most basic knowledge comes in easily accessible doses, e.g. this one:
Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki

And remember, the internet is not write only.

Merci, will look at the page.

As above...

I sharpen ALOT of different kinds of knives, kitchen knives mostly. Different blade styles seem to do better on different size stones as well. The general grit and cutting power mentioned above is what is needed to make the bevels in the first place, but shape of stone as well as manufacture of stone can make a difference. Some stones do well with stainless or carbon steels, while not being that good with the other steel.

Does it make a difference to someone just starting out or not a heavy user? Not really they can get by with just about any stone and make due.

Plus I NEEEED em