Thread: Barber's hones -- Use

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Dave, I just don't know quite how to answer, a Barber's hone IMHO gives a Good edge it does it fast and efficiently and normally they can be had at a very low cost...
Basically for simple edge maintenance I don't think there is anything better...

The problem is you are asking me to compare it to a natural stone which I have never touched let alone honed on...

I think you're overthinking my question. This part:

>>Basically for simple edge maintenance I don't think there is anything better...<<

is all I was looking for. I understand what a good ozuku would do (though I don't have one, I can guess), and figured you had used one and would be able to comment relative to one. Something like "practical, with a comfortable edge that is not quite as keen as a premium japanese natural finisher" would be fine. I'm not looking for that $500+ stone fineness, it's too much hassle to keep in the medicine cabinet to shave.

I'm asking purely from the daily shaver's standpoint of whether or not it's worth picking one up in an antique shop.

Not to question you, but I've found that most issues related to unsatisfactory results is in the hands rather than the tools. If you are doing the job correctly, you can get a very nice edge off an 8k. So, any issues with finishing, I always think operator error first, again no offense intended.

I've taken a DMT and done a one stone honing session with a barber's hone just like I would on a coticule, and it was very nice. I think most of the personal preference discussed is really about the experience and the enjoyment of the process rather than some empirical superiority. But, in short, to answer your question: if you used only a barber hone, and used it well, you'd miss out on very little in terms of the actual shaving experience, in my opinion

I've not had any unsatisfactory results (didn't even have any "razor" stones for a while, only woodworking stones - that I'd rather not haul back and forth to the bathroom), I'd just like to avoid buying something that's so fine that it's a hassle to use it for regular maintenance.

There must've been something that preceded my registering here that is eliciting all of the extrapolated conclusions about chasing an edge or having trouble honing a razor.

Maybe it was how I asked the question, i don't know.

Originally Posted by DaveW

I've not had any unsatisfactory results, I'd just like to avoid buying something that's so fine that it's a hassle to use it for regular maintenance.

There must've been something that preceded my registering here that is eliciting all of the extrapolated conclusions.

I extrapolated my conclusion from your statement that you guessed your Japanese stones weren't that good. Sorry if I took what you said and made it mean how it read rather than how you intended it to read. It's hard to communicate only via writing sometimes, and I'm not always the best at it either... There is one guy in particular who I argue with pretty frequently when writing, but when we pick up the phone we find out that we're actually on the same page most of the time..

EDIT: There's not really anything so fine that I know of that would make it too much of a hassle for maintenance purposes, as long as no chips develop

Ahh...here's the deal with my japanese stones, with the exception of one, they are not razor stones. One is an ozuku scrap, I know it's not that great (because I have synthetic stones to compare it to). It's not that you can't get a good shaving edge off of it, it's just that it is a coarser stone that would not be graded for razors - really no finer than a woodworking hone - especially if a slurry is raised on it.

I have one antique stone that's an exception (it is a razor hone, i don't know what mine), but it is exceedingly fine once it settles in (draw a conclusion about its speed from that, and a daily shaver's wish to get a decent edge in a minimum amount of time), and sometimes I wonder if I shouldn't find something a bit more coarse. It needs a wake up call from a diamond hone from time to time because it is so fine. I don't keep diamond hones in my bathroom.

The problem with my faster ozuku koppa isn't the fineness, but that it's scratchy. if it wasn't scratchy, I probably wouldn't be asking a question pondering a purpose-made razor hone, I would just use it.

And, maybe I mentioned it above, I like to go without any pastes, powders, etc.

I agree that half the stuff people write is taken differently than intended, and I don't know the history of who has asserted what on this forum since I'm kind of new (though less new by years to straight razor shaving than to this forum).

Thanks for the additional information. In your case, it seems that a barber's hone combined with your antique store hone could potentially be exactly what you're after. Especially if you find a two sided barber hone. Additionally, a 4k/8k Norton would be a good alternative. Off the 8K, you can achieve a very comfortable shave with little effort (after you learn it), and the finer Japanese Natural would be great to "finish" a razor... In your shoes, wanting as little hassle as possible, a Norton might be the way to go. It's probably what I'd do, actually...

Originally Posted by Blix

Bah, I really need to get a Barber hone!

Yeah, it really is a fine tool to have.
I've used my barber hones quite often, and I do like the simplicity and ease with which they deliver the goods

I'm asking purely from the daily shaver's standpoint of whether or not it's worth picking one up in an antique shop.

Yes !!!

. Charles

Originally Posted by DaveW

I'm asking purely from the daily shaver's standpoint of whether or not it's worth picking one up in an antique shop.

I think it's worth it to try, but don't spend too much on one. I paid $40 for one off eBay, and I've decided that it definitely is not doing the job. I can get a mirror shine on the bevel off a Norton 4K/8K, but just a few laps on the barber hone scratches that mirror finish all up. I have since put the barber's hone away and just do touch-ups on the 8K.

As in all things, not all barber hones are created equal. You really have to find the right one for your needs. They can range from a 1k sharpener, to a 9-10k finisher. I even have one that I swear is a finer grit than my C12k.

Either way, no two seem to be the same, and can even vary within a manufacturer (see AHC Stones). Don't give up on a scratchy hone, try another brand. They really are not that expensive when compared to naturals.

M