Thread: Lapping a Clonet

Does anyone know if I can lap a Clonet barber hone.

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What does the back side look like? In general, you are better off using the back of an imprinted barber hone if for no other reason that that you have more real estate in the back.

As I recall we have discussed this before and in general barber hones are not to be lapped.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

As I recall we have discussed this before and in general barber hones are not to be lapped.

Unless the surface is damaged.

I've had luck lapping a few, but you need to ensure you restore a fine finish. Almost like burnishing some of the really hard natural stones. I have no idea if this is true of all barber hones. There are way to many types and compositions and to much knowledge has been lost to history.

IMO, if you are going to do it, lap it up to 2000 or 3000 grit and "rehydrate" the binding with a long soak in a petroleum solution. When ever I do this I slather mine in vaseline, warp it in a paper towel and let it sit for a month or two.

Best of luck and let us know how it turns out!

Matt

Originally Posted by MattCB

warp it in a paper towel

To boldly go where no hone has gone before!

Sorry, I could not resist.

Unless it has issues I would leave it alone, I've personally wrecked one and have seen others where once you remove the top surface, the hone gets very soft and falls apart

Originally Posted by aaron1234

Does anyone know if I can lap a Clonet barber hone.

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The only b-hones i've had luck with lapping was an old swaty and several 00's. They both lapped up great and took a nice shine after a progression of W/D sandpaper going up to 2k.
The rest, like Rodb said, turned into sugar cookies once I lapped the top surface off.

I have lapped and re hydrated just about every barber hone I have acquired. The only ones that have been damaged by lapping were Sears Craftsman BHs. I have destroyed three of those (yep kind of a slow learner). Every other of the 50 or so BHs from lakesides to panamas to swattys to aparts, to rubys etc have done just fine and been brought back to life. having said that I agree completely with the starting principle of if it ain't broke don't fix it. If the hone works as is leave it alone.

Originally Posted by Lazarus

If the hone works as is leave it alone.

Just to heap onto the pile, this is where I sit with it. If you bought a hone to use, and the surface is too roughed up (like the pair I bought) Might as well try to save them. BUT if there's a usable surface and it hones a blade, let it ride.

That one doesn't look too bad. I'd maybe wrap a little sand paper around a pen or pencil and clean up the chips on the edge. That's about it.