Thread: What Exaclty Is a Barber's Hone?

For a touch up hone, get the Naniwa 12k. It should maintain your edge for years.

I love the Naniwa 12K as a finish hone, but comparing it with my barber hones, I haven't been as happy with the Naniwa 12k as a quick touch-up hone. 5-7 swipes on a barber hone does wonders, but the Naniwa 12k needs a bit more, it seems and doesn't give the same feed-back. Nothing against the Naniwa, they're my standard honing set; but for touch ups the barber hones give me the best results. Technique and touch vary, so everyone has to find what works for them.

Since this thread was necromanced a few days ago i guess ill add my thoughts on BH.

I've never owned a synthetic over 8k and only have a 1k now as I didn't enjoy or ever learn to hone on synthetics. That counts me out on if a 12k is better .. but I find barber hones extremely effective for touching up an edge. (As well full honing, but I won't go there. It's not recommended and takes a long time and practice.)

I usually do 4 -8 strokes on the barber hone I am favoring at that moment. Some work much faster then others.. the trick is not to over do it. It's hard when you've got a lot of strokes is better wired into your head for whatever reason.. (mine was using a coticule that couldn't over hone)

Many claim different things about barber hones and their uses.. really like any stone you've got to spend time with it and learn it. You don't have to make it complicated.. a few strokes on a fine barber hone and strop it.

You don't have to use 8k -> 12k -> .5 micron diamond -> .25 diamond -> .01 micron on nanocloth to get a good clean comfortable shave..

YMMV, some people enjoy doing that.. there is nothing wrong with that.. there is just a lot of misinformation is out there. I find that most beginners see a barber hone in beat up condition, thinking it will be good after lapping. They don't surface it properly or use it properly in some cases. Not all of them are good either. I've had more then one coarse one I wouldn't shave off of unless I absolutely had to.

You don't need a lot of experience to use a barber hone just do your research before picking up one if you are seriously considering it for touch ups. There are plenty good reviews at razor and stone.

My $.02