Thread: Just 1 hone for everything?

Many men in the past used just one hone (most likely - not as nice as a Coticule or an Escher) and it worked for them.

It's a different story if you ask how well it worked - was the edge feeling smooth, etc. I am sure it wasn't

Assuming you are only doing maintenance - you can get by with just a cheap barber hone, a Coticule, or a Green / Yellow Escher - whatever you want to spend. Even on some NOS razors (vs ebay specials) these might require extra dedication and effort to get you to a shave-ready state. If you have the patience - good for you.

Also - NOS can have warps; a 3x8 would not work well on these and may lead to lots of frustration. Heck, high-end TIs come with warps brand new right now, and I also heard Joel complain of a Dovo, iirc - the ivory scales $400 model. I'd rather have a 1.5" or a 1" if I can - it will still work for non-warped blades.

Cheers
Ivo

ps: after all this - I *almost* sold my 3x8 Norton combo and this would have been VERY STUPID (as I now know - thanks Ilija!) I might still sell it one day but only when I am positive I won't be buying anything else... and then, if I chip a razor I'll be sorry for sure