Hey all,

Let me preface my post by explaining that I am completely new to the world of Barber Hones.

I've been testing a new-to-me "Apart" barber hone. I have yet to find any other pictures of an Apart hone other than Mike's Barber hone review thread(pictures later).

I grid lapped the hone with the following progression 180-220-440-600-1000-1500-2000-2500. I also "reconditioned" the hone by rubbing vasoline on it and allowing it to soak in.

I honed 6 or 7 razors, tape on(I might live to regret this), King 1K, Nani 3K/8K,12K then onto the BH(Barber Hone). A combination of vintage Sheffields and Solingens. I may have gotten a little carried away with circles and about 8-10 laps per razor on the barber hone with lather, but I wasn't too concerned about it after reading Mike's review about how many laps it took to actually deteriorate the edge. Every razor got 60 laps on leather. No felt or CrOx.

I noticed the following about the sides: After the razors came off the BH, the mirror finish had slight even scratching patterns. This had me concerned that my hone may *not* be an Apart hone and that the hone was less than a 12K(paranoia kept nawing at me). The stone is beautiful and very hard and smooth. Magnitudes smoother than a 2 Line Swaty. The hone came in an Apart box and was an exact fit and the interior of the box has identical color residue to the hone.

I have now tested the second razor. I wanted to reserve judgement until I'd shaved with at least two. The results were AMAZING! I've *never* felt anything this sharp or smooth. BBS after two passes. I did the 3rd ATG just out of sheer enjoyment. I am very pleased to say that despite the scratching patterns appearing, though ever so slight, the edge was improved beyone the 12K level. I think this is also further evidence that I do indeed have an Apart hone.

Now for the pics:
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I can say I now regret honing tape on. I'm going to have to rehone a few tape off, just to be able to use this beauty during/immediately following my shave before putting the razor away.

To those who have Apart hones: Will you please post pics of your hone here!??

Many thanks.