Thread: A Couple of Swatys, a Swarty, a Raven, an H.W.C.G. Co., and an Unknown

Hey, guys! I've got six hones there that I'd like to show you and to get your thoughts on their usability and (in some cases) their manufacturers and uses.

First the twin Swatys. You will notice that there is some wear on the edges and a few chips. That shouldn't be a problem for me using them, right? I am just learning how to use a barber hone for touching up.







I'm not too sure about the Swarty. The surface of the stone is not very smooth at all. There are alot of pits of various sizes and flecks in it. I can't imagine using it on a straight razor with those pits in it, but it is the size and shape of a barber hone. So, I'd be interested if anyone has any ideas about this hone. Also, any ideas about how to get the rust stains off the back side?





And then comes my Raven hone. It seems to be in pretty serviceable condition now after washing off a bunch of dried on 'goo' with some hot water and soap.



Next comes the "Mysterious" H W G H Co" hone. I have done a little searching on the internet about the marking on this next hone: "H W G H Co" But I haven't been able to find anything about what the letters stand. Do any of you have a hone like this or know anything about who made it? It seems to be pretty good, I guess. It looks and feels alot like the Swatys.





And finally the unmarked two-tone hone. I would appreciate it if anyone could comment on this one by looking at it. Does it look like a razor hone? Any idea about its grit? The cream colored side feels more smooth than the darker side. Anyone have something like it?





Thanks for looking and giving any helps you can! Happy shaving!