Thread: What are they??

I cleaned up a couple hones I purchased. The small gray one seems a little soft for a barbers hone. The other one had some pretty deep chips on the edges so I beveled them out. Anyone have any info on these? Thanks

I can’t make out the brand mark, what does it say? The small one could be a type of travel hone. Many of these were private labeled and given away as promotional items. Next time your razor starts to pull give it 6 to 8 laps with lather and see how you like them.
Mike

The large one just says barbers razor hone the small one says Shumate Karbide

Hi Chugach68;
I’m not familiar with the performance of the “Barbers razor hone”. It sounds generic. Silicon carbide SiC or Carborundum barber hones tend to be on the harsh side. 4 to 6 light passes on the Shumate then stropping on leather or pasted medium can smooth the edge. Again, the next time your razor starts to pull give it 6 laps with soap lather and see if you like them. I hope this helps some.
Mike

Yep, figured the barbers hone is....well a barbers hone so I will try it out and see if I like it. Guess I will do the same with the other and see how the edge is.

To get the best from them, you could try using lather on the hones - I've been using lather on waterstones to good effect, but I haven't found a barber's hone to try it on yet.