New Carborundum Razor Hone 101A
So this is an interesting bit of info(at least I thought so).
Today in the mail came last week's eb*y auction purchase. A Carborundum hone of 1904. I think it's the oldest thing in my house now. Anyway, it's my first barber hone because I wanted to compare old school hones to the Shapton 16000.
(I also got a swaty stone. It's texture is like polished marble. Haven't played with it yet)
Unless I'm doing something wrong on the Shapton(which is likely) our technology has backtracked.
The edge difference between the Shapton and the Carborundum are very noticeable. Yes, my Shapton is flat, and no, I didn't do anything to the 1904 hone but open the mailing package, and drop a little water on it.
about 5 passes on the Shapton then to the leather strop gave me a rough shave.
About 5 passes on the Carborundum then the leather gave me a super smooth shave.
What's the deal. does anyone with experience understand how a grittier stone can give a smoother shave?
(I'm still waiting in the mail for a 65x lens to use for visual reference)
Is the 101A stone actually finer than the 16000 Shapton stone?
Having noticed better honing on the 100+ year old stone, how come Shapton's cost 4x as much?