Thread: What is hone wear?

I've searched quite a bit for a definition or example, but haven't found anything to explain what hone wear looks like. I understand what it is but I'd like to see some pics showing examples. I can't tell if some razors are supposed to have a certain look or if they are worn. Any examples would appreciated.

Originally Posted by burns420

I've searched quite a bit for a definition or example, but haven't found anything to explain what hone wear looks like. I understand what it is but I'd like to see some pics showing examples. I can't tell if some razors are supposed to have a certain look or if they are worn. Any examples would appreciated.

It's the way the steel is worn down after honing. You'll see it lots on eBay; razors with pronounced frowns, razors with much thinner toes than heels, and razors evenly honed but down to like 3/8" in size or less.

You'll also notice wide flat areas along the spine as well.

Hone wear is essentially the wear taken on by a razor through honing. You will see flattened spines, uneven spines & bevels, frowns and sometimes smiles, although smiles are generally by design.

Here is a picture of a razor with moderate hone wear. Notice how the spine appears to be somewhat flattened, from what otherwise would be a relatively sharp angle for this model of razor.



Now, take a look at this razor which has virtually no hone wear at all. Notice how the spine is shaped as original.


Also, when determining hone wear, the bevel should be taken into account. Unless a razor has had some corrective work done on the edge, a blade with moderate - heavy hone wear will generally have a wider bevel. Wheras one with none - mild hone wear, the bevel should be quite small.

Hope this helps...

Thanks sapito. I was looking for a pic because it's hard to explain without one.

I also found this gem with major hone wear posted in this thread:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/aucti...ight-wear.html

if I may borrow from the previous post, this may help illustrate what he has already said


Usually, the most tell-tale thing will be obvious at the spine like shown in red

Thanks Del1r1um, I did not think to put that circle there

not at all, thanks for the good picture examples... helps a lot

Thanks everyone. That's pretty well what I figured, it's just that some spines are so evenly worn I couldn't decide if that was how they came where as others are more obvious. So if an otherwise hood razor has hone wear on the spine, should I stay away or is it not so bad to have if it's even on the spine and the edge has a strAight bevel?

Hone wear is not a bad thing. It is a normal occurence that will eventually happen to all razors when honed without taping the spine.

Here is a decent example of something that you would want to avoid: Bad Hone Wear

That razor has a lot of uneven hone wear, and also a slight frown. You would not want to pick that up and expect great results without lots of experience in fixing those issues, and especially not at that price.

However, razors with hone wear such as the Wade & Butcher pictured above, are acceptable levels of hone wear. There are good and bad hone wears. The W&B above is normal/good hone wear. The linked razor here in this post, is not good hone wear. Keep an eye out for the telltale signs of good and bad hone wear and you will be OK.

Or it could be a new clothing line.....

Maybe not