When I search around the forums, eBay, other shave sites, etc. I always notice that vintage hones are primarily barber hones or something similar. There are some exceptions of course, like finishing hones such as Eschers look a bit different in photos though I've never seen one in person.

That being said, what was used in the past to put edges on razors? There (to my knowledge) wasn't a system of synthetics where one would go through bevel setting up to finishing. Never seen old strop pastes or sprays, these are probably very modern.

Was it all single stone honing on naturals or were manufacturers doing something and barbers/personal users simply used finishers and barber hones to keep the edge over time?