Thread: Ambicut?

Hello All,

I've done a search on the forums, and Google, and the only info I could find was an old eBay auction listed on WorthPoint.

I picked up a hone that came in a wooden box with the label,
"Ambicut
2 hones in 1
one for sharpening edge
One for finishing edge"

There is also a slot for what I'm guessing is the slurry stone (included).

Does anyone know anything about this hone? I did a search on here and found nothing but a reference that appeared to be an auction listed as Ambicut, but turned out to be something else.

Right now, all I've got that can help with razor honing are the Spyderco ultra fine rods, and then the Chinese 12K.

I bought the dual hone because I figured I needed something between, but don't know if the finishing side should come before or after the 12K.

Any thoughts or info?

I don't know the hone. Guys who are real knowledgeable on barber hones, Utopian, Sticky, or Randy might recognize it. IME barber hones that are two sided generally have instructions either on the hone or with the box saying 'use this side first' or something like that. If it is a razor hone, and not a knife or tool hone, you might be able to figure out which side is finer by testing a razor or two on it. The general consensus AFAIK is that the Spyderco rods are not suitable for honing a straight razor. I would stay away from those if it was me.

Even though the Chinese hone is not 12k, I doubt that the edge will be improved by using the Ambicut after it. Use the darker side of the Ambicut first, then the lighter side, and finish on the Chinese hone.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I don't know the hone. Guys who are real knowledgeable on barber hones, Utopian, Sticky, or Randy might recognize it. IME barber hones that are two sided generally have instructions either on the hone or with the box saying 'use this side first' or something like that. If it is a razor hone, and not a knife or tool hone, you might be able to figure out which side is finer by testing a razor or two on it. The general consensus AFAIK is that the Spyderco rods are not suitable for honing a straight razor. I would stay away from those if it was me.

I looked for instructions, and didn't find any.

From what I've read on the Spyderco rods is that the ultra fine is effective like 2000 grit. Don't know why one couldn't use them to sharpen with. I've been using it to set the bevel before going onto the Chinese hone. That's why I was hoping the Ambicut would work in between the two.

I am curious why people think the Spyderco rods are unsuitable for razors (other than being such a low grit). When I watched one of the sharpening videos, the guy was talking about going as low as 1200 to set the bevel, so I thought the ultrafine would work just as well. Guess I'll have to do some more searching.

Originally Posted by Utopian

Even though the Chinese hone is not 12k, I doubt that the edge will be improved by using the Ambicut after it. Use the darker side of the Ambicut first, then the lighter side, and finish on the Chinese hone.

Thanks. That's the kind of info I was looking for.

I've been reading that these barber hones only require around three strokes each side. I guess I'll just have to find out.

FYI, barber hones were made to keep sharp razors sharp. They were not designed for sharpening dull razors.

Originally Posted by Utopian

FYI, barber hones were made to keep sharp razors sharp. They were not designed for sharpening dull razors.

Kind of like the Sharpmaker and knives.

That's what I gathered from reading around here. I figure that if it only takes three strokes, then the edge wasn't dull to begin with.

I'm experienced in knife sharpening, so I understand the concept. People who buy the Sharpmaker often complain because they don't understand why the Sharpmaker won't make their knives sharp. It's because they let them get too dull to begin with.

I do have one more question on this hone.

I plan on using sand paper and water to lap it. What grit would be best for either side?