A barber hone is used to touch up a shave ready razor when the edge begins going downhill. It works well if the user has the skill and if the edge isn't too far gone. The set of hones is to bring a dull edge all the way to shave ready. The higher grit stones can perform the touch up function of a barber hone as well, if the end user has the skills. I know some guys who say they've maintained razors with a barber hone for quite some time. I started with the hones and , aside for trying a barber hone once in awhile, have stuck with the set.