Thread: crappy tire wet stone. work?

PM sent with my contact info

Originally Posted by Mcbladescar

I didnt think of Barber hones
I think I have 2 or 3 of them here
Maybe due for a new home

Hehe, never ceases to amuse me that the hones barbers used to keep their blades shaving sharp are often the last thing folks think of with regard to straight razor maintenance. But I'll happily put my Raven hone up there with my Shapton Pro 12K, for a relatively cheap hone that thing puts a sweet edge on a blade!

Originally Posted by Marshal

Hehe, never ceases to amuse me that the hones barbers used to keep their blades shaving sharp are often the last thing folks think of with regard to straight razor maintenance. But I'll happily put my Raven hone up there with my Shapton Pro 12K, for a relatively cheap hone that thing puts a sweet edge on a blade!

I would think that it's because of how many different ones there are out there. They are very plentiful on eBay for cheap. And to us who don't know that much about them, we have a hard time deciding on which ones are quality and which ones are crap.

Oh I understand the reason behind it. Sometimes it's hard enough to separate the wheat from the chaff with hones that are still in production. Now throw in hones that haven't been manufactured in over 50 years in some cases and it becomes a real gamble. Especially when you factor in decades of abuse and neglect, a lot are in rough shape with no guarantee they can ever be brought back to form. It's a bit of a shame no one makes a good, cheap barber's hone anymore. Sometimes I think it would simplify things greatly for (new) straight razor users. I don't think it would do much for those of us that are bitten by HAD though.

I know I've seen a lot on eBay that have looked horribly abused and are advertised as almost new.the only inexpensive finisher that I have is a c-nat from woodcraft, it works good for the price but it takes a while. Also found out that with the way they are cut they are prone to cracking. They will replace with no questions asked and they are a bear to lap. What are some brands that are known reliable barber hones? And what are some of the not as noticeable things to look out for if your only access for hone is online?

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...rber-hone.html
this is probably the most recent thread on the subject. There are many really great barber hones, and a lot of the information out there, but it requires some sifting and searching. The bay and antique shops are alway where you will find them, with an occasional one coming up in a classifieds ad. Condition is everything. The thread I linked has some pretty decent information and quite a few really great hones specifically mentioned.