Thread: Hone of the Day

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.

Wade & Butcher Anchor razor was tugging just a bit, so off with the lather and rinse. Then a great excuse to hit the Nani 12k, then 50 laps on Roo and Kanayama strops, then onto a long session with slurry, then slowly diluting to water on the Escher Barber's Delight....epic shave followed.

I know it is hard to say, but how long is a long session?

300 laps, 30 min, 4.78 hours?

Originally Posted by dinnermint

I know it is hard to say, but how long is a long session?

300 laps, 30 min, 4.78 hours?

For me, once I know it's perfect off the Nani 12k, which usually isn't more than 30-40 laps, a quick inspection under the loupe, then 50 laps on SRD Roo strop, then 50 again on Kanayama.

It's re-tape the razor, generate a nice slurry, and on a 6 x 2.5 stone, I'd say 25-30 minutes, don't count laps, just slowly watch the slurry, hitting the stone with the razor at different angles, starting off heel leading, watch the slurry, X-strokes, watch the slurry, straight back and forth, some sweeping strokes, rinse the razor couple of times, and slowly dilute until clear water.

Then back for another 50 laps on each strop, I like to have a shave just off the stone, but usually then follow up with about 10 laps on a Japanese linen strop board I made with a couple of X marks of CROX....

Here's the board I made, works beautifully and was an uber fun project:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...ml#post1489522

Originally Posted by Phrank

For me, once I know it's perfect off the Nani 12k, which usually isn't more than 30-40 laps, a quick inspection under the loupe, then 50 laps on SRD Roo strop, then 50 again on Kanayama.

It's re-tape the razor, generate a nice slurry, and on a 6 x 2.5 stone, I'd say 25-30 minutes, don't count laps, just slowly watch the slurry, hitting the stone with the razor at different angles, starting off heel leading, watch the slurry, X-strokes, watch the slurry, straight back and forth, some sweeping strokes, rinse the razor couple of times, and slowly dilute until clear water.

Then back for another 50 laps on each strop, I like to have a shave just off the stone, but usually then follow up with about 10 laps on a Japanese linen strop board I made with a couple of X marks of CROX....

Here's the board I made, works beautifully and was an uber fun project:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...ml#post1489522

Holy buckets Andrew. You are making me itch to hone a razor. That just sounds like a relaxing and rewarding session done just right in my book. Sounds like my plan tonight. Carry on.