Thread: Two barber hones-on right track?

Good afternoon gents,

I am in the process of lapping and re-conditioning two barber hones. The first hone is a Simmons Keen Kutter K 15. I picked up at an antique store about a month ago. The second hone is a Presto-Keen that I just picked up from eBay. Both hones appeared to be in great shape: minimal chipping and pretty flat. I touched up two razors with the Keen Kutter and was satisfied with the results. Both razors ceased tugging after being touched up but still not as smooth as I would like.

When the Presto-Keen arrived a couple of days ago I decided to try flattening both hones based on Modine's tutorial on Razor and Stone. Not having a DMT plate I bought 600 and 1500 grit wet/dry for lapping. I drew a grid on the stones and let both hones sit in water while I set up my counter.

Wet paper towels were laid on the counter and half a sheet of 600 grit paper was laid on top and sprayed with water. I then did about five figure 8s on the finish side of the Presto-Keen then checked the pencil grid.
It was still there so the stone was rotated about 10 more figure eights were done. At this time I rinsed off both hone and paper under the tap, which I kept doing from then on when checking the grid. Approximately 40-50 figure 8s were done. Water was sprayed on paper when the stone started to stick. Both sides of the Presto-keen were treated in this manner, then the process was repeated with fresh paper and the Keen Kutter(label side only).



1500 grit was used in a similar manner on both sides of the Presto-Keen and the labels side of the Simmons. I attempted to use spray more water while using the 1500 grit. The hones are drying. The plan from here is to re-condition the surface of the hones by applying Vaseline.

Do any of you experienced hands have tips to share with me? am I on the right track?

I don't know what the surfaces look like, I only re-condidtioned the barber hones in my collection that really needed it. Most barber hones do not, that I run across. I would not go the vaseline route , if you think the surfaces are fine,,, don't re-condition just for the experience.

Barber hones do dry fast on the surface & absorb very little water, at least that has been my experience.

I would like to see Modine add some knowledge here on SRP concerning the re-conditioning of barber hones; I'm not a member of Razor & Stone & don't see that in my future.

I go crazy with it myself. I grid lap from 200 400 600 1000 1500 2500. It's a PITA, but it gets pretty smooth for the few that I have.

Those surfaces look just fine to me,,,, nice looking hones.

that is more or less the process I have followed when reviving barber hones with chips or a dry or crackled looking surface. Like John I only do this if it looks like it is really needed. Most of the barbers hones I have bought just needed a home and nothing else.

"Just give me a home,
where the barber hones roam;

and the badger brushs,
come out to play,,,,,,"