Did I "Break" my New Swaty?

Hello All,

I recently picked up a 2-line Swaty that looks like it has not been used at all (brand-new condition). Thinking I was doing the right thing, I broke out my DMT325 and began lapping/chamfering it. I noticed that the hone was not flat to begin with, so I took off a good amount of surface to get it flat with the DMT (took awhile!!).

Now, after the fact, I've been reading about how some barber hones should not be lapped as it can "ruin" them. So I'm just wondering; have I messed up the swaty's intended natural surface by lapping it with my DMT? It seems to be smooth to the touch now, more or less comparable to an 8k IMO, but does not feel like it did before I started lapping. I'm just afraid that I screwed up the intended honing surface & have altered the characteristics of how it's going to perform.

Here's a pic of the Swaty, just for the heck of it...Thx for any advice you may have! :)
Attachment 118441

Na. It's OK. You might consider rubbing one side on some finer sandpaper laid flat on something flat and true. Then, you have a 2 sided hone. One side will be finer than the other!

Oh, phew! I thought I was gonna get flamed for attempting to lap a swaty!! LOL

I do have a DMT 1200 grit sharpening card as well...would this be a better thing to use as opposed to the 325? I would imagine it would leave a finer surface..

Give it a try! I like lapping my stones with a really worn-out DMT.
Lapping barber hones is a good way to wear them out! :D

Do you have an Arkansas stone ??? they are really good for getting a superb finish back on a lapped BH

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

Do you have an Arkansas stone ??? they are really good for getting a superb finish back on a lapped BH

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I do not have any Arkie's TBH. Although I have entertained the notion of acquiring a surgical black Ark. in the past but have never pulled the trigger. Maybe this is a good excuse to do so! :)

sierra trading post had black stones from dan's for about $28 or something. 6x2x1/2 inches. Not big enough for much other than razors.

I got one, the quality is decent (I got it knowing that I would only use it for razors). 1/2 inch thick on the one I got would be generous, it's between there and 1/3rd, but it's glued solidly to a wooden base.

I actually ended up going with this:

Black Hard Arkansas Sharpening Stone Extra Fine | eBay

It's 4x2", which I figured I could hold in my hand, or use it to lap my Swaty...Hopefully it's the same quality as Dan's, which is what I almost went with.

These Arkies are pretty useful stones even if a razor never touches the surface, They work wonders on lapping for smoothness and the also work on many water stones to raise a slurry in a pinch.. They are so hard that I haven't ever had an issue with grit release...

I

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

Do you have an Arkansas stone ??? they are really good for getting a superb finish back on a lapped BH

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I've lapped many barber hones in the last 2 years, but never thought of this.
I learned something today, thanks.:hmmm:

I keep a small translucent on hand for lapping and prepping surfaces. Its only about 2.5 inch long, and 3/4 inch wide maybe? It doesnt need to be big to raise slurry, or bring up a polish on another stone.

Lapping to 1200 with a DMT and, if you have a buffing wheel, buffing the hone's surface with finer diamond paste brings back the mirror smooth surface although the barber hone will still have the mottled appearance lapping brings out that the original factor surface doesn't have.

thanks for the replies. I feel better about it now. I have a black arkansas on the way, so I'll be sure to use it to put a good surface on it...

The real problem comes with stones that only have a "skin" of abrasive. Once you wear through that, your toast!

you are lucky, the solutions that were mentioned in this thread do work great. without them, your new bh would have been very rough after taking that 325 to it. its a beauty btw. dont think I have seen one in that good of shape for a while now.

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Originally Posted by sleekandsmooth

its a beauty btw. dont think I have seen one in that good of shape for a while now.

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Thanks. I think it's NOS as it seems to have NO signs of use (except for the scratches left by my DMT!!).. :)

I've restored many Swaty's if they need it. They're hard little suckers. I'd start with the DMT XX, then C, then work my way throught 1000g wet sandpaper. I'd use a wire brush/toothbrush on the lettering. They come out new looking. I know many disagree, and think this ruins the surface. This has not been my experience.....

I'll have to try the Arkie thing, next time. The one on the right is finished.
You have two 3 lines, and the 4 line Swaty in the middle.

I've seen some Barber hones with a surface on them, I have a few, but not Swaty's. IIRC, Swaty's are not just surface treated. The grit seems to be through and through. In any case mine work great....YMMV.

Like they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

When I mentioned stones with the "skin" I was not talking about the Swats. They are through and through for sure.

You know what works best for putting the smooth surface back on a Swaty (or otehr stones) Rubbing it on a 2nd Swaty!
Provided they are made of the same materials of course. ;)

Woops...I'm new to this conversation but, I have had for years a Smith's hard black arkansas. Have rarely used it. As for razor honing I wonder: Where does it fit in? Finishing? Better than Naniwa 12K or Shapton 16K or...just different. I'm intrigued. Thanks, gents.