Thread: Franz SWATY Three line razor hone test

Here is the Franz Swaty Three line Razor Hone for testing. This particular hone was distributed by S.R. Droescher in the U.S. and came boxed with an emery board used to abrade the hone surface. This is a one sided hone that measures 5-1/2”L x 2”W x 7/16”H and is identical to the AMERICAN Three line hone made by American Hone co. Primary abrasive is 4F Lionite Al/OX

Two identical King Midas Extra Good razors were chosen to test this “razor” hone. Both razors were taken to a 1K-3K-8K level. One of the razors was then progressed to the approx. 15K level on a much finer stone. The edges were visually inspected at 100X magnification at each interval.

8 X-laps, strokes or passes were made on the Swaty 3 line razor hone trademark side with soap lather to see if it would improve the 8K edge. The edge showed slight improvement and the beginnings of a wire edge and chipping when observed again under 100X magnification.

Conclusion, the Swaty 3 line razor hone slightly improved the edge off an 8K Norton. The 15K edge was degraded. This is a hard and aggressive barber hone. It is recommended that no more than 6 to 8 passes are done, or damage will start to occur to the fine edge. Stropping on leather or a properly pasted strop can smooth the edge even more. Want to see a PIKE Swaty?? stand by.
Mike