Thread: Purchased a Barber hone, now what?

I have a filly strop which has CrOX on the back, but i haven't been able to touch up my razor with it to my satisfaction.... Does anyone use the backside of a filly for their touch ups?

Anyway, i purchased a hone, but i am not sure that i feel confident that i have done the research on how to use it properly.

Here is what i understand so far:
1> If necessary, clean your hone with Comet and a stiff brush if necessary.
2> before you use it, examine the surface for small cracks, etc to ensure that it is fit for use.
3> you may use the stone wet or dry.
4> you may use lather on the stone as well (some people like it).
5> try 5 laps and shave. If it needs more, try 5 more. repeat.
6> light pressure.
7> use your hone right away when you feel pulling. keeping an edge sharp is easier than letting it go for too long.

I have read the barber manual pdf, are there any videos that i am missing?

Any other thoughts?

What manufacturer of barber hone do you have? All your points look correct. I have a Swaty hone and recently someone posted original instructions that said to keep honing until the razor was sharp enough again. Also, I did have a Shumate barber hone and on it's instructions it said to do 4 to 6 six strokes per side and no more or you could overhone your razor. So different hones have different characteristics.

Originally Posted by Milkylee

What manufacturer of barber hone do you have? All your points look correct. I have a Swaty hone and recently someone posted original instructions that said to keep honing until the razor was sharp enough again. Also, I did have a Shumate barber hone and on it's instructions it said to do 4 to 6 six strokes per side and no more or you could overhone your razor. So different hones have different characteristics.

it is a pike swaty. I am not sure on the technique really... it sounds similar to stropping but you lead with the edge of the razor rather than the spine, correct?

Here are actual instructions

http://straightrazorpalace.com/596027-post3.html

BTW not all hones are two sided like that one states


BUT:

This is just a general set of instructions on how to use the hone, you need to take your time and access the hone itself too... but in general I would say start with a lathered hone and go in 5 lap increments.. This gives you a nice slick feel and allows for smooth even strokes

I received my pike swaty in the mail today which was sweet because i wasn't expecting it until tomorrow or saturday.

I formed a quick lather with KMF and applied a thin coat to the stone after i wet it a little bit. I did 6 slow and light X strokes on the hone. After that, i stropped my razor and cleaned my hone.

It seemed to do the trick. There was a significant reduction in pulling and the quality of my shave was noticeably improved. After my shave and post shave stropping, i used my 60x microscope to check the blade. It used to have some very small 'teeth' forming in the edge of the blade, but now the edge is virtually perfectly straight again.


I wasn't very scientific in my approach because i ended up stropping my razor more than i usually do so i can't say with 100% certainty that didn't have an effect on the 'teeth' effect or the quality of the shave.


I guess time will tell.


thanks for the help.