Y IZ IT

OK, now I'm stumped. I thought I was getting great shaves off of my 12k Chinese waterstone, but now I'm getting incredible shaves, and I don't know why. I just started experimenting with my NOS Edlis barber hone. Using it wet (water, not lather), I got such a great shave with my hard to keep sharp Dovo, that I tried it out on my antique Gevoso which was in need of a touch up. I also used Chromium Oxide to finish, and I couldn't believe what a close, smooth shave. WHY? 20 laps on the Edlis and the same amount on the chrome bench hone, and wow! I know enough about this sport now to not get wrapped up in grit size, but a med-med fine barber hone out does my 12k Ch.? :shrug:

maybe the chinese gave an edge that was too smooth? some ppl do better with a razor with a little "tooth" to it

Barber hones are kinda nice. Have you always assumed that "medium" was a lower grit than "12" ?????

I'm still an inexperienced honer, but some blades seem to prefer some tools over others. Maybe that's the edge that's just right for you. Now, can you recreate it over and over? :p

That's where I get hung up.

Jordan

Jordan hit the nail on the head here. You just found your niche in honing.

Most barbers hones are designed for finishing so it may well be the equivilent of the chinese stone anyway. I have a Japanese Kitayama which is about 12K but I can do better with my coticule which is between 8-10K so go figure.