Thread: Mid-range tips

Originally Posted by ultrasoundguy2003

So if we are understanding correctly you a bevel setting with a 1K stone and then going directly to Barber Hones, is that correct?
Anything can be done with determination, and you Sir are the epitome of determination if you are using this method.
Reason 1K to Barber Hone is a HUGE jump in grit levels. If you are getting go shave Kudos to you.

The TPT. Yes you go along lengthwise down the blade lightly (licking your thumb is ok for added feel). Sliding off Gently at about a 45` angle you can really feel the grab(stickiness) if the blade. I have little micro slices in my thumb where I have done mine.
The true proof is in your shave which you stated is great. Congratulations.

The point that everyone will bring up..... The Huge jump from 1K to Barber Hone (12Kish).
Yet you are making it work. My thesis is that you are doing 100s of strokes on the barber hones.
Is this a true assessment?

Yes I am using a king 1k, then directly you to a barber hone (Pike Koenig) and then to a double sided frictionite 00. I did about 50 x strokes on the pike and then 50 on the rough side of the frictionite and 20 on the fine side. It really doesn't take so long and this is all without making a double bevel.

This has been the only method I have excelled at. Does that make me weird?

Maybe being double sided is key to success with only a barber hone?

Originally Posted by S0LITARYS0LDIER

Yes I am using a king 1k, then directly you to a barber hone (Pike Koenig) and then to a double sided frictionite 00. I did about 50 x strokes on the pike and then 50 on the rough side of the frictionite and 20 on the fine side. It really doesn't take so long and this is all without making a double bevel.

This has been the only method I have excelled at. Does that make me weird?

Maybe being double sided is key to success with only a barber hone?

Its just different. It would be like shifting from 1st gear into 5th gear and making it drive without stalling the motor. Good for you.
Down the road if you want to try the other gears,(midrange hones) the hand pressure suggestion will make a world of difference.
You overcame an obstacle on your own. Barber hones were only designed to maintain an edge. But the lore of the Frictionite 00 you have proved.

You have invented a system that works for you. Its ok to be different as long as you reach the same destination. We might want to not refer to your order of operation as mid-range hones.
The number of strokes you are using is the same as most others are doing , only difference is they are using different grit hones.

I was getting great shaves until I went to a meet. It filled in missing pieces that a forum just cant fill. I finished the meet able to reproduce exceptional shaves and show others what I had been taught.It is Ok to meet other wet shavers, the more you can find in one spot the better.

Originally Posted by ultrasoundguy2003

Its just different. It would be like shifting from 1st gear into 5th gear and making it drive without stalling the motor. Good for you.
Down the road if you want to try the other gears,(midrange hones) the hand pressure suggestion will make a world of difference.
You overcame an obstacle on your own. Barber hones were only designed to maintain an edge. But the lore of the Frictionite 00 you have proved.

You have invented a system that works for you. Its ok to be different as long as you reach the same destination. We might want to not refer to your order of operation as mid-range hones.
The number of strokes you are using is the same as most others are doing , only difference is they are using different grit hones.

I was getting great shaves until I went to a meet. It filled in missing pieces that a forum just cant fill. I finished the meet able to reproduce exceptional shaves and show others what I had been taught.It is Ok to meet other wet shavers, the more you can find in one spot the better.

Maybe the different cutting properties of the hones play a bit part. Some barber hones are a lot more coarse then others. I must say this isn't an easy method for a beginner, it takes a lot of trial and error.


I agree they aren't typical mid range hones...

There is nothing that special about the frictionite 00 just a top of the line barber hone.

I probably won't try other mid range hones only because I have in the past and not done well at all with them. Why change something if it's working??

I will try to go to a meet around me whenever one comes up. A member on here was extremely helpful a few months ago and with his hands on help I learned lots.



Who knows how or why it works but it does for me.