Thread: If I were to buy just one hone...

Well, I'm still fairly new to using a straight but my razor is starting to pull a little and I'm looking for a hone to do touch ups on an already honed razor. I am not going to be doing any work on vintage razors or razors that are not shave ready so I don't need/want a set of multiple hones. I just want one hone that I can use to touch up the blade. Any suggestions? I need something not so expensive and I really don't think I need a 4k stone so norton 4/8 is really not needed. I was thinking 8k to 12k but not sure which is best for just touch up 8, 10, or 12k I was also wondering if im able to put .5 micron paste on the back of my strop the side that is bumpy, instead of buying another strop. But I'm not sure if this will damage the razor. I'm looking for cost effective ideas I have the 3 micron lapping film and it works good just want to have a better edge then what that gives me


thank you

Two possibilities, most "bang for buck":

1. A barber hone.

2. 1 micron lapping film (I think that will be comparable to a 15K-grit stone, but I've had my fingers stomped for saying that before).

And a suggestion:

I've shaved off 3 micron film, and wasn't happy at all. But using CrOxide (maybe around 0.5 micron) _after_ the 3 micron film gave a halfway-comfortable edge. So some CrOxide and a pasted strop might be enough for you.

I wouldn't use the rough side of your strop. Use balsa, or seat-belt webbing, or smooth leather.

. . . Charles

i am at the same stage, i have a few barber hones but am a bit wary to use them on my razors. Any advice as to what sort of edge i can expect from one? The name barber hone makes you think you are gonna end up with a good edge, but it seems not many people use them any more.

If you are looking for the most economical way to keep an edge, then IMHO you should go with paste and strop like CrOx. However, eventually, you would need a stone.
I have gotten consistent on reviving edges, setting bevels is another story. On several occasions I had to take them to the 8k stone and had one that did not revived until I did some passes on the 4k and on to the progression of 8k and paste ( .5 diamond, and CrOx).
Any of the ideas suggested would work. Barbers hone, a 12k stone, 4/8 norton or paste. I believe in buying once, although its not always possible or foreseeable.
I would buy first a pasted strop, like the hard wool felt that SRD sells with .5 diamond spray. Try that first, and see how long you could go with that. Then later the 4/8 norton or similar system. Double O

Barber's hone is the cheapest option to go for.
Other options that are more price intense are synthetic 12k , Natural such as Jnat/ Thuringian/ Escher, some English Slates.

Ive been maintaining all my razors with barber hones and a strop with cerium oxide for several months now. I havent needed anything else since!

Chromium oxide on balsa following the 3 micron film. That'd be all I'd spend right now if you're happy with how the film works.

Originally Posted by Disburden

Ive been maintaining all my razors with barber hones and a strop with cerium oxide for several months now. I havent needed anything else since!

Ramirez admits to being new and few have your level of skill at honing. I know that the barber hones vary greatly in grit level, price and performance.

I would suggest the Norton 4/8 and use the information/material available on SRP to get the maximum out of the 8K side.

I am by no means an authority on honing, but unless Ramirez picks the right barber hone, he might be disappointed.
Just my 2 cents.

Well, assuming you never ever ding the blade or bump the edge and kill it...You could go 10k and split the difference from what others have said, use the 3u film, then 0.5u crox and strop. Just a thought, but I do love the edge off my 12k naniwa and crox

I use a real Three line swaty which is like 8-10K level..and follow with cerium on linen.

If you search for Sham's thread "barber hone characteristics" You will find all kinds of grit ratings for old barber hones.

Panama and Lakeside barber hones are over 12K level, near 16K.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

Ramirez admits to being new and few have your level of skill at honing. I know that the barber hones vary greatly in grit level, price and performance.

I would suggest the Norton 4/8 and use the information/material available on SRP to get the maximum out of the 8K side.

I am by no means an authority on honing, but unless Ramirez picks the right barber hone, he might be disappointed.
Just my 2 cents.