Thread: 3 circles = X laps on a BH

Says it all.

How many circle motions on a traditionally sized hone would equal an X stroke?

I don't really need exact empirical data, but not wanting to overdo a blade on an aggressive hone, I think the knowledge would be good in advance for me and any other person new to using Barber Hones(BH).

Thanks, guys.

Based on what little I know about barber hones you don't use them for circle honing. Depending on how fine a grit you feel your BH is no more than 5 to 7 laps and you've refreshed your edge. BH's are not for bevel to shave ready use. Refreshing only. You want any of the Norton's, Naniwa's, Shapton's, etc for honing use and circle motions.

I don't see why no circles. It's a hone, ain't it?? Circles just seem so natural when palm honing.

The one I'm using is above 12K. I'm using it as a finisher/refresher.

Ask an expert. Like I said, "the little I know", plus I'm a traditionalist, only want to do what is tried and true.

I would say Apples to Pears,
I would say the blade travels a bit over an inch between the up/down and forward back arches but you are back honing/ forward honing and incorporating a swoop.
If you over hone you back hone in order to fix it,
If I were going to play with it like you are describing I would start with 1/2 trip up and back circles and 2 to 3 x strokes see where it is at and play a bit from there.

I dont know what the ratio is with circles an X stroke equal to but that said seems like common practice to always follow circles with a few X strokes.

Originally Posted by pfries

I would say Apples to Pears,
I would say the blade travels a bit over an inch between the up/down and forward back arches but you are back honing/ forward honing and incorporating a swoop.
If you over hone you back hone in order to fix it,
If I were going to play with it like you are describing I would start with 1/2 trip up and back circles and 2 to 3 x strokes see where it is at and play a bit from there.

So, if I understand this correctly, this 1/2 up and back trip would look like a semi-circle, back 1/2(blade side not included in that semi-circle), then 2-3 x strokes, then check?

If that's the case, I've messed up. BUT, I've noticed the improvement over the 12K. I'm guessing, again, if I'm understanding correctly, that I could get more out of the BH.

If what you've said is so, I was up honing, then downhoning(degrading) the edge with the sets of full circles. Right?

Be patient with me, Pat

@Martin103,
I did follow the circles with X strokes(though more than 2-3)

I was thinking more like10 tight circles traveling 1/2 way up the hone, when I do circles on my Naniwa's I hit 40 circles half way up the hone and then reverse direction and travel back.

Originally Posted by pfries

I was thinking more like10 tight circles traveling 1/2 way up the hone, when I do circles on my Naniwa's I hit 40 circles half way up the hone and then reverse direction and travel back.

Right. Like typical honing using the circle method followed by X strokes. Right?

That was my thoughts,
Damn you throwing this in the mix.......