Thread: Looking for Barber's Hone

Hello all, Im new here. Great informative forum you all have here.

I just started shaving with a straight razor about a month ago. Currently, I have a shave ready Shumate #222 and its been a treat to work with. I also purchased a strop and I am starting to get used to it. Also, last week I just purchased another straight that will be here hopefully in the coming week.

The more I get used to the straight, the more I enjoy it. Each time I use it it draws me in like a little Nymph. Its almost like the first stage of falling in love, that passion, lust and whatnot... Learning each others nuances, traits and habits...

Anyway, I don't think I will need a full set of hones anytime soon, since I don't plan on restoring straights. At least not yet. Realistically, what I need is a barbers hone (or similar) as I just need something to maintain that gleaming edge. I have read about 100 posts on the forum today about hones and my head is becoming dizzy, I probably over did it a bit

So, I guess its time to call in some support...

I have read about Swaty, Swaty 3 line, Panama, Iamapeech, DD, Carborundum, Arkansas Translucent (not certain thats a barbers) and a few others.

I'm looking for more of a maintenance hone, so I think that 3 line Swaty is out - as from what I gather its a little rougher. I am assuming that since I really only want to get one hone - a double sided hone with a high polish side and a slightly lower grit... is probably best?

I understand the old school barber hones are really hard. So, I would need to make certain it was lapped and beveled in advance. I looked in the Classified section and didnt see what I was looking for. Also, please note I am on a budget at the moment.

Any chance someone here has a nice one they no longer need that would fit the bill? Im looking for something I could pass down to my son one day. So, I would love one thats in good condition and will last a life time (or 3).

Thanks in advance =)

Have you checked your local antique stores and flea markets? Lapping a barber hone takes some work but you can do it yourself. I wouldn't limit myself to purchasing one lapped, it just limits your options. All you need is a flat surface, some sandpaper and elbow grease. You can pick up a flat marble tile at Lowes or somewhere for a couple bucks. Some 80 grit drywall sanding screen to start out would make the job go quicker, then move to wet/dry sandpaper to finish. Take a look at the hone lapping wiki. One of our members was also offering free lapping IIRC, you pay shipping.

You could also put a WTB message in the classifieds.

Maybe you'll get lucky and someone will have one they want to get rid of.

Welcome to SRP BTW! Good luck with your search.

Thanks, sadly the few antique stores by me dont carry any wet shaving stuff. When they do get something, its gone in a hurry or so I am told.

If I cant find a lapped one, I can take a crack at it...

Just a quick bump, hopefully bumps are ok here. if not, sorry =)

Try a Want To Buy in the Classifieds
Strops & Hones - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Thanks, already did =)

Theres nothing wrong with a Swaty, it and the keen kutter combo as well as the Shapleigh are my favorites, I dont lap them either and still get good results.

Thanks Ill add them to the list of hones to look for...

continue stopping at the antique store,the owner's always (usually) ask what your looking for let them know,you may walk in and get "hey guess what i have,thought i see if you wanted it...."), this happens to me

Thanks =)

I hit 5 antique stores today at lunch... not a one had anything. Two of them were pretty big antique malls. I totally thought there would have been something in at least one of them...

On a side note I got their cards. Since they really are not near my home... I figure I can call them a couple times a month.

There was one cool find though I went to an old barber shop. They had a bunch of old razors on display (most not in too good of condition) I asked if he would be willing to part with a few... he said maybe so I got his card =) Sadly, no hones...