Thread: How to use my Barber's Hone?

Originally Posted by Utopian

Some claim that the imprint side is more fine than the back side. This is described in the product insert for the Swaty Alumin, but I'm not sure if it applies to all Swatys. I have examined over 20 Swatys under a microscope and I have never been able to distinguish any difference between the two sides. I had a conversation with RandyDance062449 recently about this and proposed the theory that because most barber hones were lapped at the factory, then perhaps it was simply the differently coarse lapping material accounted for the difference. He didn't think so.
I have yet to find a Swaty with a discernible difference in grit between the two sides. I'm still looking.

Thanks, I guess it was not such a dumb question. Which side do you use?

I use the back most of the time. I only use the front when I'm once again trying to compare the two sides.

I just used both sides on my three line swaty and shaved a part of my face after each side...

Same thing.

Originally Posted by Utopian

Some claim that the imprint side is more fine than the back side. This is described in the product insert for the Swaty Alumin, but I'm not sure if it applies to all Swatys. I have examined over 20 Swatys under a microscope and I have never been able to distinguish any difference between the two sides. I had a conversation with RandyDance062449 recently about this and proposed the theory that because most barber hones were lapped at the factory, then perhaps it was simply the differently coarse lapping material accounted for the difference. He didn't think so.
I have yet to find a Swaty with a discernible difference in grit between the two sides. I'm still looking.

+1

Try both sides and use the one you like.

The back gives you a bit more hone surface to use.
The imprint side might prove smoother and flatter
(perhaps less used on antiques).

Some hones do have different grits front and back
but they are obvious. If it is not obvious the
choice is yours.

I do know that when you find ones on eBay that
have printed instructions they do not specify.

I favor the non imprint side when they appear equal.

Just an FYI for anyone who has a two sided barber hone and wonders which side to use first...

Use the darker side first.

A lot of two sided barber hones have a sticker on the side that say which side is for what purpose. Other hones that come with a box will include those instructions in the box. If you find a nice two sided barber hone without a box or a sticker, I can almost guarantee the darker side is more coarse than the lighter side. This seems to have been an almost universal convention among hone makers.

What happens if you add too much pressure when honing? I can understand that if you put too much pressure when stropping, the leather will run over the edge, but that won't happen with a stone, right?

No, that won't happen with a hone. If you use excess pressure you will cut deeper striations into the edge and this will produce a less comfortable edge for shaving. For a barber hone, and for any finishing hone, you should use very light pressure.

Originally Posted by gull

What happens if you add too much pressure when honing? I can understand that if you put too much pressure when stropping, the leather will run over the edge, but that won't happen with a stone, right?

+1 on the above....

A razor will flex. Too much pressure and the flex will
cause the honing to progress unevenly. Even honing
is key to sharp...

And pressure will maximize the depth of the scratches
on the steel which is contrary to what you want when
honing a razor.

Hone with a touch as light or lighter than you use to shave.
Lather on a barber hone can help.

Originally Posted by Utopian

For a barber hone, and for any finishing hone, you should use very light pressure.

Hehe uh whoops!

I can fix this right?

BTW I did shave off of this razor today and got a nice shave. A little pulling...well a lot of pulling, but no blood and I did WTG and XTG.

I'm hoping I can get my razor back to the way it was with light honing passes or maybe even using some pasted balsa wood?

So should I take that to mean you were not using light pressure? All you can do is daily touch ups and see how it goes. Do 5 strokes, strop, and shave. If it's not right yet, repeat the following day. If you're not up to snuff in a week, then you'll have to try other options. I don't think the paste is going to correct this if the hone cannot. The alternative would be to send it out for a touch up.