Thread: Thoughts on eBay Hone

Was reading quite a bit about barber hones here and thought I would pick up one. So I ended up winning the following hone on eBay for $10.50. Curious what you all think:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...0914&rd=1&rd=1

How can you go wrong at this price?

I have no clue about the hone, but think about this: what other thing would cost as much and offer you comparable entertainment? Not to speak about actual benefit - even if it's crap, you would have gained some experience and knowledge.

Do check to see if it's flat before you start playing with it, of course. I thought I see some irregular wear in the middle but it could be from the imported moonshine I am sipping

Cheers
Ivo

Ivo,

Thanks, you are correct about the cheap entertainment value. One of the reasons I decided to go for it. Also did notice the possible wear issues in then center. I have a piece of slate and a sample paver stone, could I use either of those to lap the barber hone?

One other question: Would/could I go from the barber hone to 1.0 micron or .5 micron paste, or is that overkill?

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Jfala

Ivo,

Also did notice the possible wear issues in then center. I have a piece of slate and a sample paver stone, could I use either of those to lap the barber hone?

Jeff, there is a thread going on about it. Turns out your best bet is a machine shop. I never saw one myself... I use wet/dry on a big marble tile. If there is much wear, and the hone is hard - it would take a while. In this case I'd probably start with 120 to speed things up a bit and then move on through verious grades up to say 800 or 1000.

Originally Posted by Jfala

One other question: Would/could I go from the barber hone to 1.0 micron or .5 micron paste, or is that overkill?

I would certainly do Chromium after the barber hone (I don't use diamond but I imagine it would also help). You don't HAVE to, but I like smoother edges

Cheers
Ivo

Ivo,

I saw that thread as well, but it seemed to be targeting stones that were uneven and needed a flat surface. Maybe the one I bought will need this as well, all though the pictures don't really make it look uneven just a bit pock marked.

We'll see.

Thanks for the tip.

Jeff,

In the photo that shows the brand stamp, the hone appears to have some reddish brown peeking through the black. I suspect that this is a hone of the red-brown variety that's covered in dirt.

These are usually medium to fine hones, it seems. I have two of them and often use them as my finishing hones. The edge they produce works really well for my weird face.

Extensive lapping on these hones has left them with a polished surface that's almost shiney. It cuts slowly and leaves a fine edge.

Good luck,
Josh