Thread: Hone of the Day

I did the same learning process as you (BeJay) and Steve56. It took dedication and a lot of youtube watching to get comfortable with the process. I had a few nicks, mostly square
points, but it was worth it. I look forward to every morning and my shave ritual. I started out with two razors I bought over forty years ago for 3 dollars each at the Jay County IN
tractor and engine show but got put in a drawer and ignored until about a year and a half ago. I now have fifty razors, several stones, four strops, six brushes, etc. I will have to
come to my senses one of these days and quit buying stuff. I'm happy I discovered this hobby/sport/activity.

Glad to see you back Tom, you going to try to make Charlie's meet in February, I'd sure like to see you again. Tc

Tell me about it, TC. This is fresh news to me. If possible, I would like to make it.

Honed up a French Gelle Freres faux frameback fresh from some TLC at chez Alfredo. Progression was Shapton Pros 2k, 5k, 8k, koma, and tomo nagura on a pale Nakayama asagi. The edge tests very well, shave tomorrow!

Cheers, Steve

This razor is stamped "GOLD BEETLE" on the front and "MANGANESE" on the back. Where's it from and who made it? We'll probably never know for sure. It's very well made though and took a nice tiny little bevel. If I had to guess I would say it's Japanese. I've not touched my Nortons for quite some time, but I decided to give them a go. I got my Naniwa Super Stones a few years ago and didn't looked back(until today). I was going to finish on the Coticule but decided to just leave it at 8K. Funny thing about the Norton is it seems to give a better edge then it did a few years ago. I guess these stones get better with age.

Originally Posted by BeJay

This razor is stamped "GOLD BEETLE" on the front and "MANGANESE" on the back. Where's it from and who made it? We'll probably never know for sure.

My bet would be Germany where they also made Gold Bugs. Must be related

http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...old_Bug%22_5/8

Originally Posted by onimaru55

My bet would be Germany where they also made Gold Bugs. Must be related

A Witte Cutlery Co "Gold Bug" 5/8 - Straight Razor Place Library

Somehow, with Manganese on it I think it may be Wester Bros. rendition. Lots of 'Gold' something razors. Gold Seals, etc.
They usually had the gold/clear celluloid scales, I think.

Anyway, Nice Razor! Nice Norton!

I am intrigued by the Gold Beetle razor you have there. Typically German made razors will have a stamp on the tang indicating "Solingen" or "Germany," so the word "Manganese" on the back of the tang is something of a mystery. Of course the beetle is an ancient Egyptian motif, also known as a scarab and the scales have a near eastern look to them. My best guess would be this razor was produced in Egypt, or possibly in Germany for sale to tourists in Egypt.

The Karasu question?


When I bought this stone it was assigned the designation Shobu Asagi Karasu Tamamoku. On a different thread some questioned the Karasu issue. This photo of it post honing and wet, with clean stone shows arguably, mind you, the 'Crows flying against a darkened sky.' ....I think stones tend to get labelled as a point of interest rather than say a diamonds clarity rating. I do believe we get caught up in the various descriptions. My Ozuku Asagi is different in base colour than this Shobu, but both have a similar descriptor.
The important thing about this photo, is the quality of the shave from the stone. From my limited knowledge, I can say it behaves as it's descriptor suggests, and I am lucky to have a Shobu that is nicely hard, with very fine particles that is so smooth under foot, feedback wise that I got a great shave from the chosen razor a Dovo 6/8 thumb notch. I welcome comments from those who have owned Shobu's that are similar to this one, in my eyes its a beauty. Bob.