Thread: Why can't I find a brand new barber hone?

You can't find any because Jimmy has them all.....

But seriously, What they said. You may be able to pick one up on the classifieds or ebay, or at a flea market. I've never had any luck here with flea markets or Antique shops. Some guys do though. Usually the vintage barber hones do not require lapping, but if they do, They are hard, really hard...I've cleaned up a few Swaty's in my day, and I think that's what prompted me to buy a DMT XX.


Most of your higher grit hones can serve as a barbers hone. A cheap Chinese 12k will do. If you have the bucks, A naniwa 12k is better. And as Neil mentioned, Crox on Balsa, or even .50 diamond paste, or my favorite, .50 diamond spray on wool felt...

I've got a Naniwa 12k and it's remarkably fast for as fine a stone as it is. That's a typical property of barber's hones, too--they're very fast cutters. If you want a new stone, I'll add my vote for the Naniwa. It's much bigger than barber hones, too--which makes for easier honing, in my opinion.

A good place to look for New vintage Barber hones is eBay. They are on there all the time. You can buy a used hone that has been lapped, if it is done properly it will work as good as a new one. Balsa wood and a fine diamond spray would be effective and inexpensive.

I have recently bought two ceramic stones through my barbers supply. They are about 3 x 5 and will put a nice finish on a razor. They are about 8k.

Those sound interesting. Who's making them? Not that I have HAD or anything...

I don't know who makes them but you can type in barber supply on line and look at them in their catalogs. Most of them sell to anyone. The ones I have were very inexpensive.

can you find the link? all i can find are arkansas stones.

The one I have looks like an arkansas stone. It is white but definately ceramic. Hard as flint. I don't have a link. I asked my barber and he ordered it for me. I have since moved but I will try to get in touch with him and find out which supply he uses.

Originally Posted by jgrunst

I am new to straight shaving, and brand new to honing. I am interested in a barber's hone as i have heard they are great for touch ups, which can make your edge last longer between bull honing sessions if done properly.

I would prefer a brand new, never used barber hone as I dont trust myself to lap a stone correctly, or even be able to identify a stone that needs to be lapped. but this seems like it is impossible to find.

are all barber hones vintage? do they not make them anymore? and if so, why? it seems as though there is at least a small demand for a brand new barber hone, but i cant seem to find one, am i missing something?

Also, if i am forced to go the vintage route, how would i identify a hone that needs to be lapped?

thanks everyone. the knowledge ive gained from this forum has made my shaving experience much more enjoyable, thanks for sharing!

james

I have never seen a flat stone until I flatten it.

Originally Posted by mackie

The one I have looks like an arkansas stone. It is white but definately ceramic. Hard as flint. I don't have a link. I asked my barber and he ordered it for me. I have since moved but I will try to get in touch with him and find out which supply he uses.

Could it be this one?

Barber Supplies - Barbershop Equipment - Hard Arkansas Razor Hone