Thread: Old Barbers Hones?????

Does the Ruby still have its instruction sheet? It is a two side hone which isn't obvious. Bottom is coarse top is fine (holding it so lettering on side is right side up). I used mine a couple of weeks ago to hone out a micro chip. No other hones necessary and edge was back to shave ready. The Ruby is a very cool little hone.

Thanks for all the input guys, I'm thrilled to have this collection of Barber Stones. I gave a blade 6 passes with the 00 and shave soap today...felt nice. I'm reading both yes and no on lapping these stones, for now I will give them a good cleaning with soap and a scotch pad.

Originally Posted by Lazarus

Does the Ruby still have its instruction sheet? It is a two side hone which isn't obvious. Bottom is coarse top is fine (holding it so lettering on side is right side up). I used mine a couple of weeks ago to hone out a micro chip. No other hones necessary and edge was back to shave ready. The Ruby is a very cool little hone.

Yes instruction sheet in the box! I 'll have a closer look to check the two sides, thanks!

I have an Aloxite Barber's hone and in my 1950 Barbers Book it says you should slap on a bit of lather on the stone to act as lubricant.

They're all great Hones. I myself would love to try one of the ruby hones I've been searching for one for awhile

I also disagree with the other posters I believe the little square one is an Arkansas stone a white washita to be exact. The best way to tell is shine a flashlight directly on it an see if it's slightly transparent.

This will keep you going for an hour or two .........

http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...teristics.html

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

This will keep you going for an hour or two .........

http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...teristics.html

Good read

They're all great Hones. I myself would love to try one of the ruby hones I've been searching for one for awhile

I also disagree with the other posters I believe the little square one is an Arkansas stone a white washita to be exact. The best way to tell is shine a flashlight directly on it an see if it's slightly transparent.

Originally Posted by KsStraightShaver

They're all great Hones. I myself would love to try one of the ruby hones I've been searching for one for awhile

I also disagree with the other posters I believe the little square one is an Arkansas stone a white washita to be exact. The best way to tell is shine a flashlight directly on it an see if it's slightly transparent.

Yes it is translucent Ks. Thanks for your good eye. I wonder if it's ok to pop the stone out of the box, I've read somewhere that it might be glued. Tough to lap in the box
Some good reading here... link from JimmyHAD above is great ...and I downloaded the Essay on Honing by Napoleon LeBlank 1895. Find it here in the SRP Wiki ....

http://http://shavelibrary.com/index.php/File:Essay_On_Barbers'_Razors,_Razor_Hones,_Razor_ Strops_And_Razor_Honing.pdf

Originally Posted by caljw

Yes instruction sheet in the box! I 'll have a closer look to check the two sides, thanks!

Previous owner actually scratched on the edge. "Top/Dry" and "Bottom" I think I'll lap it with wet paper and rub I n in some Vaseline as per the instructions.