Thread: Barber's hones -- Use

The comment above about a scratchy stone set me wondering. I've got a barber's hone, properly lapped, smooth and is like velvet. However, on occasion, I've noticed on a few of my razors, I occasionally get a few small scratches close on the blade going to the spine. I think it happens more on like my old WB which is closer to a wedge, but I've done it on a more hollow ground one too. Since the edges are still great to use afterward and it doesn't happen every time--I figure it's got to be me. Do I need to rise off the stone between laps? Did I use too much pressure? Thanks for any advice.

Hi oldsCool, When I use my barbers, I usually rinse them off thoroughly just due to the possibility of dust settling on the surface. I don't want to run a blade over a dusty surface! Also, unless the stone specifically states it is a 'dry' hone, then you should use lubrication of some sort. Water, lather etc.. work excellent and insure that anything loose on the surface is in a floating state and away from the edge.

I also notice that with some of mine the edges seem to get 'gritty' and make not only tiny scratchy sounds, but also give some feedback on the blade while in motion. A quick rinse and another slap with the lather brush and all is well again.

Lubricate, unless otherwise stated.

Good Luck!!

M

Thanks for the reply. I always use water or lather, but I'll make sure the hone is well lubricated. The scratches are only occasional and cosmetic and the blades are refreshed. I too have heard the sounds you mention.

Thats what I'm a little afraid of. I'm looking for a good barbers hone as well. I leave all out honing and restorations to a pro. I'm wanting to just "maintain" a shave ready edge. I don't want to scratch up a restored/ polished blade. I wonder why a man can't just use a norton 8k or some 10 or 12k. Arent the barbers hone around the same grit? I'm wondering if I should just buy one of those hones instead of a barbers hone?

Originally Posted by CStevens

Thats what I'm a little afraid of. I'm looking for a good barbers hone as well. I leave all out honing and restorations to a pro. I'm wanting to just "maintain" a shave ready edge. I don't want to scratch up a restored/ polished blade. I wonder why a man can't just use a norton 8k or some 10 or 12k. Arent the barbers hone around the same grit? I'm wondering if I should just buy one of those hones instead of a barbers hone?

Yes, personally I'd much rather have a Norton 4/8k than a regular barbers hone.

This is sort of like comparing a deer hunter to a reloader/bench rest shooter, looking for the tightest shot pattern. I can only hope to someday be able to hone a perfect edge. For now I'll worry about just getting an effective one.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

The difference is that going to a nice Ozuku is more into the "Chasing a Perfect Edge" realm of this hobby rather than "I just want a comfortable Shave"

Honestly most of the upper end of this hobby and using the High Grit hones and Natural finishers is more about chasing that last elusive 1% of the edge...

ie: Hobby vs Shaving

Originally Posted by CStevens

This is sort of like comparing a deer hunter to a reloader/bench rest shooter, looking for the tightest shot pattern. I can only hope to someday be able to hone a perfect edge. For now I'll worry about just getting an effective one.

Funny you should say that and use that analogy


My one and only Blog on SRP happens to be on Honing (wow big surprise) and also happens to use that exact analogy



Straight Razor Place Forum - gssixgun - Blogs


I do believe you might enjoy that read

I picked up a Swiaty on eBay for $18 IIRC. I use it with what I get from rinsing out an empty hand soap bottle. It works fine, but I think I'm going to clean it up good before I use it next to make sure the surface hasn't gotten clogged.