My second job at the tender age of 15 as a dishwasher was the first time I got out of my little town and went into the big world. I have a vivid memory of spending more than an hour on a special detail for the head chef. He sent me to the basement for the spoon stretcher. Yeah took me an hour before I got it.

I have a feeling licking the barber's hone is a similar ruse with a sick twist.

I will for the time being settle at rubbing razor hones on my stubble to check for smoothness and relying on shave tests to give me results.