Thread: velvet edge hone.

as above, offered one of these today,i know they are made in the usa are they worth £20, or are they a gimmick.

I have that converting to $32. If it is in decent shape, then that is a good price for a Velvet Edge.

Barber hones are not a gimmick, but they have a limited purpose. They are maintenance hones, and that means they are used to KEEP a sharp razor sharp, but they are ineffective at sharpening a dull razor.

What Utopian said!

I have one of those kicking around somewhere. It's as good as a Swaty, IMO.

Originally Posted by Utopian

Barber hones are not a gimmick, but they have a limited purpose. They are maintenance hones, and that means they are used to KEEP a sharp razor sharp, but they are ineffective at sharpening a dull razor.

The following is regarding barber hones in general.

I have never heard an explaination as to why this is. Couldn't they be used as an 8k or 10k hone is used? I suppose you might be pointing out that a high grit hone is more usefull in keeping an edge sharp then in making a dull edge sharp. Is that the point you are making above?

People talk about them as though they are very fast hones. Would the same number of strokes on a similar grit hone (for example an 8k or 10k naniwa) be as effective for maintenance?

i'm still trying to understand what makes barber hones /different/.

thanks.

Originally Posted by ezpz

The following is regarding barber hones in general.

I have never heard an explaination as to why this is. Why cant they be used as an 8k or 10k hone is used?

People talk about them as though they are very fast hones. Would the same number of strokes on a similar grit hone be as effective for maintenance?

i'm still trying to understand what makes barber hones /different/.

thanks.

BAsically you have answered your own question. Most of them are fast cutting .if barber hone has 2 side then one side will be courser another one finer side.
they are fast cutters and if you do make strokes more then you should edge will have chips.
Velvet barber hone is fine hone.
gl

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

BAsically you have answered your own question. Most of them are fast cutting .if barber hone has 2 side then one side will be courser another one finer side.
they are fast cutters and if you do make strokes more then you should edge will have chips.
Velvet barber hone is fine hone.
gl

i'm afraid i still dont understand.. i dont think i've experienced microchipping or an overhoned edge or wire edge before. i dont know why it would be more likely with a barber hone then a modern hone such as a norton or naniwa.

Originally Posted by ezpz

i'm afraid i still dont understand.. i dont think i've experienced microchipping or an overhoned edge or wire edge before. i dont know why it would be more likely with a barber hone then a modern hone such as a norton or naniwa.

You are mixing up a little.
when do you use barber Hone?
already shave ready blades. when you feel they get dull you use it right?
when do you use naniwa or norton?
you sharpen razor when you use that stones. you don't touch up already shaver ready blade.
gl

okay, i think i understand what you are saying, but if i had a 1k and 4k and barbers hone i think i would use it after my 4k in sharpening a dull razor.
if i didnt have a barber's hone i think i would touch up a razor on an 8k or 10k hone.

Originally Posted by ezpz

okay, i think i understand what you are saying, but if i had a 1k and 4k and barbers hone i think i would use it after my 4k in sharpening a dull razor.
if i didnt have a barber's hone i think i would touch up a razor on an 8k or 10k hone.

Yes, that would be an appropriate strategy. If you have an 8k or 12k hone, then the barber hone can be slightly redundant. Keep in mind that barber hones were made to be the single hone for the average shaver. It could keep a razor shaving for the rest of the owner's life.