Barber hone- Last minute advice

[Leatherstockiings]

I am visiting an antique store about hours' drive away where I have seen straight razors and barber hones. I would like to pick up a barber hone if the price is right. Is there anything I should be on the lookout for concerning physical characteristics of the hones?

[Hirlau]

There are so many types,,,, just look for one in good condition, with as few chips on the edges as possible, no divits on the surfaces front & rear if possible. If the hone is "two-tone" , different grits on front & back,,, it is probably a top end barber hone,,,& especially if there is writting in ink on the sides or decals on the sides,,, they are probably top end.

[DennisBarberShop]

Condition is always a concern...as far as barber hones are concerned they vary widely on grits. Modine has run tests on many of them and posted the results on razorandstone.com

[pixelfixed]

Do take the time to read Modines results,he put alot of work into some great testings.

[MattCB]

As far as condition, make sure and watch for cupping of the hone and any breakdown of the binder (can get a kind of "ashy" grey look). Besides that, most of em can be lapped back to servicable condition.

[Leatherstockiings]

There were three barber hones at the antique store and I chose the one in the best condition. No chips and a box with instructions. I have been looking through Modine's reviews and didn't see a review for A Keen Kutter.



Anyone have any experience with this hone?

[pixelfixed]

Nice looking hone.looks like a lakeside Blue.

[DennisBarberShop]

Looks like a nice hone! What other brands did they have?

[Leatherstockiings]

Dennis, The store had another Simmons hone that was green. I think it was a Keen Kutter Kombination hone. The other was a Wonder brand hone. The Wonder was light brown. Both had some damage and I am not sure they were usable.

[HaiKarate]

Shoulda asked Simon.