Thread: Need to get my fist hone - Help!

recently started with straight and really enjoy it but I need a hone and have no idea what to get. I wish I could afford a 4000/8000 stone but right now it's a little to pricey. Can anyone suggest something a little less heavy on the wallet. Thanks Gents

you can get a barbers hone, it is the cheapest option I can think of.

I'm in agreement. For touch-up work the barber's hone can be had for less than many. Once you get into it deeper you can't go wrong with that Norton.

Would you guys recommend the C12k for touch-ups?

Do you a ceramic 12k ? Is E bay the best place for a barbers hone and thanks again for your help Gents

Chinese natural 12k or Guangxi 12k or it has a few other names. Its a slow cutting natural stone from the Guangxi province in Chine and come in a range of sizes. They start from about $20 and go up to $50

I used one to finish razors on to begin with and moved to other hones later on.

The other guys have been at it longer then me so go with what they say.

Originally Posted by Swine

Do you a ceramic 12k ? Is E bay the best place for a barbers hone and thanks again for your help Gents

eBay or whipped dog for barbers hones

Whipped Dog

I would never suggest a PHIG/C12k/Guang Xi what have you for a first stone. They are a gamble like many natural stones.
I would also suggest a barber's hone from gemstar customs. Glen tests his hones before selling them and this is a great service for the new honer. If he is out then I would look elsewhere.

Originally Posted by deighaingeal

I would never suggest a PHIG/C12k/Guang Xi what have you for a first stone.

And that would be why i said go with what they say

I probably got lucky with my two

A C12k was my first hone but I bought it off a member here, otherwise I would have waited and saved for the naniwa 12k.
That being said, I do like my barber hone. That plus some CrOx will last a long time.