Thread: Sorry, basic question

Too many times guys read a thread and go hog wild and acquire the latest and greatest hone and before they know it they have a rock collection they really haven't mastered and probably never will.

Richard is correct, read and learn first. There are so many options out there as far as hones go and other media to use.

Confucius say: Man with many hone have rock collection. Man with few basic hones is master of the honing universe.

Having now read many of those threads on hones, I would say I am even more confused. There seems to be nothing close to a consensus on any hone-related question. It seems that the question of what type of hone (Barber'? 12K? Norton 8K?) is best for basic touch ups shouldn't be so unanswerable. Oh, well...

Ask the guy doing your honing what he recommends and go with it. The rest of us are going to list all possible ways since we all have our opinions and methods.

JT is correct. Barber hones go from about 4K to 16K. A Swaty from Europe is usually about 9K or more. American barber hones were mostly made by American Hone Company in two locations. they made many brand names and differing ingredients for each. Yup, If you buy a known grit "man made" it can be a good thing. Again, How much work will be needed on the razor? A lot, and 8k or less to actually reset the bevel that has been worn by stropping. A Pasted balsa strop is cheapest if a tiny bit of work is needed and may be the best as it won't round over the bevel as much as a pasted hanging strop!
So if some one honed your razors, ask them what and how often.
Good thread!
~Richard

You best bet is a synthetic 12K Super Stone, if you end up honing you will use it as a finisher. Do not buy a natural hone as there are far too many variables for you right now, though, some naturals can be used very well as finishers and touch up stones.

The most inexpensive route is a barber hone, that can be purchased for 5 buck on up at antique stores and Ebay. Buy a flat, chip free barber hone, name brand really does not matter for a touch up hone.

Your best bet, is find a local mentor, so you can try several options before purchase and more importantly learn to strop, properly.

Proper stropping can keep you shaving very well, for a long, long time depending on your skill.

Euclid440, now this I can work with. Thank you very much!