Originally Posted by
AFDavis11
One thing I've noticed is that all hones are good. Its your technique that is fitted for the hone or not. Hone speed for example is reflected in your stroke, etc. I also find that even subtle differences in grip while honing can influence your success.
I'd suggest when using a barber hone that you follow the directions specifically in the barbers manual on how to hone. I've always wondered why barber's texts described such an odd grip for honing. I've since figured it out. So if you have the grip down for a Norton don't use it for a barber hone. I've always just thought the grip would be the same for every hone, shows how much I know.
6-10 strokes are common for a barber hone so Lynn's advice, as usual, is right on the money. Some hones come with instructions to use "airy" strokes (I read that as light).
Again, I recommend the directions in the barbers manual when using a barber's hone . . . go figure, I know, but . . . the finger placement is pretty quirky but works wonders with a barber hone.