Thread: Pocket Stones

In a pinch (traveling) can you effectively hone a straight using a pocket sized stone? If so, how?

Depends what you want to accomplish. Actually, a more accurate statement would be that it depends on how much time you have AND what you want to accomplish.

If by "hone," you simply mean touching up or maintaining an already sharp razor, then a barber hone is all you need. In general only 4 to 6 strokes are all you need to bring back a good edge.

Yes,, as stated above.

I just got a #0.20 Frictionite (1 7/8 X 3 1/4) and learned how to set bevels with it. The bevel came out so good on a Greaves I was tempted to try it after shaving arm hair. I mean shocked kind of surprised how well it set. I probably could have smoothed it out more if I went back with lighter strokes and water but I draw the line at self abuse :<0) Some of these ( I think Carborendums) have 2 sides. I bet you could do a lot more with one of those. So I would say, yes, in a pinch you could depending on skill and of course the hone type. Very small strokes and pay attention. I was lucky and Wolfpack showed me how.

All this thinking by pocket hone you mean the size they refer to as "pocket size" on e-bay. They are about half the size of a barbers hone.

yea but a pocket hone isn't a barbers hone. At least the pocket hones I have made for a quick job on a pocketknife I would never use on a razor.

Originally Posted by Chopkins

In a pinch (traveling) can you effectively hone a straight using a pocket sized stone? If so, how?

Sure; just rest the stone in the palm of one hand, keeping the fingers flat and away from the path of the razor and use a normal honing stroke from heel to toe across the stone's surface.

I guess it might work. It might be a good idea to use a quite fine pocket hone and put a nice piece of new paper atop of it and strop on the paper. As long as it's nice and flat.

what size count as pocket hones cause i consider my Belgian blue that's 1 inch wide by 3 inchs long by 1/4 inch to be a nice pocket stone.
Though it be hard to hone a razor on a machinist clear Arkansas 4 by 1/4 inch wide. Those put really nice sharp edges on big tools like a 8 inch draw knife.

Ditto to the method JeffR uses. I hold barber hones the same way.

The number of strokes can vary on what you are trying to accomplish. But, if you're just trying to maintain optimal shave readiness, stroke count can vary. As mentioned 4-6 strokes is the "safe" zone, but not for all BHs.

Some BHs are extremely aggressive and going more than 8 strokes might crumble your edge and destroy the blade requiring bevel reset. Some are far less aggressive and may tolerate 10-20 strokes without any degredation of the edge.

As for technique, as I mentioned, I hold them the same way as Jeff and others. However, I do incorporated careful, deliberate circles followed by a few X strokes. It feels pretty natural.

There's some great research done by MODINE on BHs. It is quite easy to get confused and the varying makes/models, grades of fineness, etc. Barber Hone Reviews

That #20 Frictionite BH that 10Pups has is *very* fine and is on the aggressive side. Less strokes and your done. MODINE also reviews this one, but good luck getting one at a decent price. Demand is up, but they are available.

k/r