Thread: Barber's hones -- Use

How do you guys find these, with lather used, compared to a decent japanese finisher (final finisher, that is, like a good tight non-scratchy ozuku, etc)?

Originally Posted by DaveW

How do you guys find these, with lather used, compared to a decent japanese finisher (final finisher, that is, like a good tight non-scratchy ozuku, etc)?

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

Well, my small (and not so expensive) japanese hones aren't that good. I'm thinking they're probably more like a barber's hone, but they are comfortable to shave from - not blindingly sharp. Well, one of them is exceedingly fine, but it imparts a soft edge still.

Chasing a perfect edge costs a lot of money, and can lead to a lot of razorburn on my skin. As a daily shaver, I'm asking more from the practicality (maintenance) side, where you spend no more than 5 minutes a week on a razor, including the time it takes to get the hone out and put it away.

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...

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.

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

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?

i tryed my barbers hone. i likedit, very nice shave, i would say the edge felt more crunchy smooth to me, with plenty of shavability. my skin after was perfect, absalutley no alum sting , so that says it all to me . there neat little hones and its great to do the touch ups with just 5/8 laps a week ..

gary