Thread: Tam O' Shanter Vs. Belgian Blue

I was wondering if anyone that ownes or has used both of these stones would care to compare the two stones. From what I have read it seems like both stones perform a similar function in that they can both be used in place of the 8K side of the Norton (although they are both slower) before moving on to a higher grit finishing stone like a coticule or an escher. The search function did not yield much information regarding the Tam O' Shanter except that it is a relatively slow but very effective hone and that it is highly recommended as a "must have" by several of the honemeisters. Thanks

I don't have the two though I do have the Belgian Blue. Its really more towards a 6K grit wise and it is very slow. I really don't use it very much because coming off the 4K I'll just go to the 8K. Every once in a while I'll get a contankerious razor that needs a different approach and then I'll pull out the blue.

Thank you for taking the time comment about your experiences. Since I already own a Belgian Blue and have been getting great results with it, I am more interested in finding out some more information on the Tam O’ Shanter hone. I am considering purchasing one but I am wondering if it is different enough to justify having both hones in my collection.

Originally Posted by heavydutysg135

Thank you for taking the time comment about your experiences. Since I already own a Belgian Blue and have been getting great results with it, I am more interested in finding out some more information on the Tam O’ Shanter hone. I am considering purchasing one but I am wondering if it is different enough to justify having both hones in my collection.

Michael Parker liked it (TOS) because it took care of some microchipping that other hones couldn't address, afair

Cheers
Ivo

It is great for polishing out microchips and dealing with brittle razors. But I don't have a belgian blue so I don't know how the two compare.

Maybe I have just been lucky but I have never really had a problem with microchipping on the Norton.

Two of my Sta-Sharps have had that problem, as well as my Wacker - Wackers seem to be particularly notorious for this.

Same here on my Sta - I used Norton and Yellow (no Blue, TOS)

Cheers
Ivo

I have used the TOS more than I have the Belgian blue. I find the TOS to be a very useful stone for the micrchip removal and for the "feel" of the edge that it develops. I always use a slurry with the TOS and usually follow it with the Norton 8K and Escher then the 0.5 micron chrome oxide. It gives me an edge that I really like. To me the TOS is finer than the blue but of course each blue is a bit different. YMMV.

Originally Posted by randydance062449

I have used the TOS more than I have the Belgian blue. I find the TOS to be a very useful stone for the micrchip removal and for the "feel" of the edge that it develops. I always use a slurry with the TOS and usually follow it with the Norton 8K and Escher then the 0.5 micron chrome oxide. It gives me an edge that I really like. To me the TOS is finer than the blue but of course each blue is a bit different. YMMV.

I was really hoping that you would comment on this Randy since you were one of the "honemeisters" that I was referring to in my original post. So you use the TOS after the bevel is established on the 4K right? Do you always use the Norton 8K after using the TOS before moving onto the Escher? How many strokes do you usually use when using the TOS as an intermediate between the 4K and the 8K or do you go strictly by the feel of the hone? Also what percentage of razors do you estimate that you use the TOS on?

Thanks