Thread: Barber hone - what to do about chips

I'm new at this, so I don't want to go full-bore into honing. But I do need to touch up my razors, so I figured I'd look for a decent barber hone.

i found what looks like a frictionite 00 in an antique shop not far, and it's cheap too. The problem are the chips: multiple chips, along both edges, affecting both homing surfaces. Some are up to a half-inch deep into the side.

Is there a way to "treat" the chips so that they're less liable to cause any damage to the blades? Either by sanding, or other methods? Is it worth my trouble, or should I just avoid the stone?

They also have a Swaty, that's in better shape, but more expensive. It also has chips, though less sizable.

Thoughts?

1/2 inch chips means the stone must be chamfered 1/2 inch narrower. If on both sides that = 1 inch. A no go I'd say. Barber hones are small enough already.

Have a picture by chance? Would be helpful to see.

Those chips sound fairly lethal and I agree that it is tough with a hone that is already quite small. It takes time to get the bevel far enough back that it will cover off those chips. It is hard to judge from a description. If it is cheap enough you may want to take it on as a project. There are many quality barber hones out there, so you may want to keep looking.

The swaty may be the better option, depending on price. Maybe compare prices and condition on e-bay. Sometimes it is better to spend a bit more, and save yourself a lot of grief.

Thanks for the responses. You've confirmed my suspicions. I'll try and get a pic this weekend if I head back to the store.
I've seen other hones in much, much better shape on eBay so I guess I will keep looking.

Honing - even touching up - takes a little practice.
But it's best that you don't have to learn working around a hone with other "issues".
Lapping film and a granite tile might be a better option - check out the WiKi...or look for a barbers hone in good shape...

Smooth shaving...