Thread: Gokumyo as a Barber Hone

So, I'm guessing we have those 4 people. Should we contact directly Mr Stuart, or we'll take care of it by ourselves?

Originally Posted by Vasilis

So, I'm guessing we have those 4 people. Should we contact directly Mr Stuart, or we'll take care of it by ourselves?

I'm willing to pitch in but I'm too lazy to try to arrange it...if someone arranges this and needs my participation, just pm me.

Originally Posted by Tierdaen

I'm willing to pitch in but I'm too lazy to try to arrange it...if someone arranges this and needs my participation, just pm me.

Very well. mrsell6, are you in for the 0.5 micron-20k in the size of ~4x1.5"? They are fast stones, so I suppose after any 8k stone and above they will work. And, we need a forth person. Anyone who wants to buy one of the best if not the best man made finisher and pay much less?
I think the best choice is to ask directly the site, after we have agreed to who wants a piece. And if he can cut it, everything is fine.
Anyway, I don't intend to use such a stone for anything other than my razors, so, one in the size of a barber hone is exactly what I need.

What are the stone's dimensions, typical 8x3x1? I know my diamond bladed wet saw for tile would handle the cut fine, but I don't think it has enough depth to split the stone completely in two & would take a cut from both sides. You would loose about 3/16"-1/4" by time you split it in two for two pieces of a theoretical 1/2" thick stone by time you lapped the cut side. The blade on my tile saw is only about 6", so if someone else has a larger saw it would be better as getting the stone cut in half would be the hard part, quartering it would be the easy part.

Things would be somewhat easier if the stone was 1" thick. then, you could, with considerable difficulty, cut it in two pieces with ~.5" thickness. A jet cutter or something. But, it's thinner. Also, now that I'm thinking about it, a size that is a little smaller than 1.5x4" is too small for razors. I'm still in for it, but, it's small.
I believe those stones were made for wood working tools like kanna, that's why they are so wide (or because, all the old stones are 8x3"), but, they should make some 5x1.5" pieces for us razor users, like the Thuringians. Or 6x2" or 5x2.5", I would buy any of them. Also, if more people would buy them, their price could drop, but that a long story, and doesn't help at all now. So, I'll send a mail about any available options on their sizes.

it's 205x73x20mm. My guess was that we'd just quarter the thing for a few 100x30x20mm mini-hones.

I'd sandwich it between two pieces of slate then cut it into two pieces 8 mm thick ( 2mm will be lost to the saw blade.)
The cut both pieces in half for 4: 205X35X(8mm+slate backing).

Originally Posted by larrybob

I'd sandwich it between two pieces of slate then cut it into two pieces 8 mm thick ( 2mm will be lost to the saw blade.)
The cut both pieces in half for 4: 205X35X(8mm+slate backing).

If someone sets it up, sounds like it'd be ok...thin, but probably workable.

I will take a 4th if there is room for me. Otherwise I'll just order the whole thing. Let me know.

I am going to acquire a couple of the finest Suehiro Gokumyo ( GMN150 + GMN200 ) within 2 months.
I'll report my experience upon arrival.

As for size 4 1/2 inch by 2", by 1/2" I think it would be too short to be comfortable for honing.
I'd prefer at least 6" long.