Thread: Advice on buying stones - NZ

Hi there, wanting to know what stones to buy. I like the look of the old vintage ones on Ebay that old barbers seem to have used but I don't know what grit I need.

From reading most tend to go for the 4k/8k half half stone.

Hope you all can enlighten me!

Many thanks.

I have an Edlis, a Swaty, and a Carborundum (118S if I remember correctly)
The Swaty and Edlis are very fine, the Carborundum not so much. I also have a set of Nortons, full length 220/1000, 4k/8k
If you are looking to touch up a razor I recommend the Swaty.

If I look for a few, any chance I can send you the URL for a thought?

Absolutely.

Post the URLs here too so everyone can give advice. I certainly am no honemeister, I just know what I have.
While this isn't a Swaty, here is on that meets my criteria for purchasing: Razor Stone | eBay
It is inexpensive, looks flat (not wore unevenly) and has only the slightest of chips on the working edge, which can probably be lapped out.

Thanks for that. How can you tell what type of grit it has on it?

What are peoples thoughts on this one here?
2 Vtg Barbers' Straight Razors Hone w Box Sharpening Stone H s B Co 2 Deal | eBay

Technically I can't . Though most Barbers hones are going to be in a higher, finer grit. I look at the flecks in this one and see a a not so dense set of larger flecks which can be discerned with the eye, which means most are so small they can't be seen. Know what I mean? It is not the most definitive judgment, but for $20 I am sure I could make it useful.
There are files in the library here on SRP that give a good idea of the various Barbers hones and their 'relative' coarseness.
And here is a link to another website which reviews what appears to be this hone:
Cushioned Strop Back hone test I

Originally Posted by munster

What are peoples thoughts on this one here?
2 Vtg Barbers' Straight Razors Hone w Box Sharpening Stone H s B Co 2 Deal | eBay

Those look decent, especially the one on the left. The one on the right might be lappable. as there are no chips in the working area of the stone, just at the top. The website at razorandstone puts it at about 8k and aggressive.

You say "aggressive" please excuse my ignorance but what exactly dos that mean?