Thread: Stone just to maintain a sharp edge not for restoration advice please.

I am looking for a low cost and simple solution to resharpen the dulling edge on my razors. They can still shave but they are pulling to much to be comfortable. I am not going to restore any old blades, just touching up the edge on what I use now. I hope to keep it to one stone and I prefer water over oil. I do plan to buy a new full size strop since all I have now is a paddle.

So my goals are:
1. Low cost if possible ( I know this is subjective but absolutely not over $100 prefer $50ish)
2. Water use instead of oil (Again, keeping it simple)
3. Prefer one stone (Two sided is OK if needed)

It seems Barber Stones would be the way to go but I don't know anything about them really. I was reading some threads so I have an idea. I saw a Pike barber stone on Ebay for around $10.50 (Bidding still going) but I am not sure of grit to get or are they all very similar?

I haven't posted on here in a long time so I have forgotten alot I want to start using my straights again if I can do it without spending a ton.

I think that is it. I look forward to your suggestions.
Thanks
Larry

yeah a Barber hone would fit you best i have a c-mon two side razor hone and it works great cant go wrong with a barber hone

The stone for you is the Chinese 12,000 grit waterstone according to my opinion.

Take a look at this: http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Chinese-Natu...item53de4e07f7

A small coticule (Standart bout, size 7 or bigger, ask for a longish shape, or 10X4cm, or 12X3 cm or whatever) or a BBW.

Regards,
Tok

You have options: coticule, barbers hone, chinese12k, naninwa 12 or 10k, etc.

+1 to all the above - lots of options.

I admit that my experience with barber hones is non-existent, but you can;t go wrong with a naniwa or ch12k (PHIG). The naniwas are more expensive, but are very nice to work with, I have a 3k/8k combo stone. For the money, you can;t beat the ch12k from woodcraft. I got mine for 35 bucks shipped. Leaves a nice smooth edge and works great for touch-ups. YMMV, but I'm a big fan of the 'el cheapo' route, and woodcraft hooks you up in that respect.

I realize that the barber hones are confusing in their variety, but the majority of them work quite well for what you are seeking. After all, back when they were made that was their sole purpose. If you'd like to go the barber hone route, you are welcome to send me a PM to discuss any barber hones on eBay that you might be considering. I'll help advise you on your choices and values.

Welcome back to the side of truth, justice, and the straight way.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I realize that the barber hones are confusing in their variety, but the majority of them work quite well for what you are seeking. After all, back when they were made that was their sole purpose. If you'd like to go the barber hone route, you are welcome to send me a PM to discuss any barber hones on eBay that you might be considering. I'll help advise you on your choices and values.

Welcome back to the side of truth, justice, and the straight way.

Take Ron up on this, you will be time, money and frustration ahead. Lynn has a video somewhere around here concerning barber hones, I would do some research and then purchase a suitable stone, it will fit your needs to a T. Most barber hones are so similar in quality its hard to tell them apart when it comes to performance. Some good ones are Swaty, Shumate, Pike,KeenKutter, Itsapeach, Boss,

Do this... I have used a lot of hones and barber hones are about as easy as it gets.

My favorite barber hone so far was a blue Shumate barber hone I had. But i was able to shave off every barber hone I have tried.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I realize that the barber hones are confusing in their variety, but the majority of them work quite well for what you are seeking. After all, back when they were made that was their sole purpose. If you'd like to go the barber hone route, you are welcome to send me a PM to discuss any barber hones on eBay that you might be considering. I'll help advise you on your choices and values.

Welcome back to the side of truth, justice, and the straight way.

Thanks for the replies. I sent Utopia a PM so just waiting it out

I liked the suggestions of the linked Ebay stone above and the woodcraft hone. Though $24 shipped sounds good for the ebay one I just wonder if its an OK stone.