Thread: In the market for hone(s) at a good affordable price

What is a BBB hone?

Originally Posted by Utopian

What is a BBB hone?

Big Black & Beautiful.

/wait wrong forum.

I have had a habit over the past three years, of dunking my Naniwa's in a tub of water for no more than 5 minutes. They just feel better, are more consistent over the whole stone, no dry spots. I've never had one break up or any problems. I do not leave them in water, only a brief dunk for a few minutes before use. Can't give a scientific reason, other than to say, I find the end result is a smoother travel back and forth on the stone. (They dry slowly after use).

OP,

the cheapest: lapping film and a granite tile (under 30$ shipped, give or take a few for the granite—I got mine for free, but I like me some rocks)

the most recommended, and for good reason: Norton 4/8. This bad boy is the mac daddy of hones.

Other recommendations:

Arkansas Hones. A real PITA to lap, but not too too expensive, they will last a long time and will produce an amazing edge from what I hear (a big YMMV on that)

Coticules (Either the most overrated or underrated hone of all time, and I currently can't decide, but the price for a bout ain't crazy, and you will at the very least learn to shave with one)

JNATS ($$$$ and you should buy from reputable dealers, but the edges are to die for)

Thuris

Charnleys

Gillette ProGlides *yes I'm joking*