Just got a hone, now...??

I just bought an old barber hone off eBay. The box says "Steinmetz professional barber hone," it's about 2"x5", and it has two sides (it came with instructions, too). The finishing side has some sort of build-up of gunk on it that seems to scratch off with my fingernail. (I would include some pictures, but the only camera I have right now is my phone and that won't do much good.)

So I guess my main question is, what should I do to get this hone good to go? Should I just de-gunk it, or lap it, or just stare at it and hope it'll hone my razor by itself?

Thanks,
Nick

clean it, lap it, and let her rip!!

Sounds like a plan.

One other thing -- the instructions say it can be used wet, dry, or with oil. I was thinking of doing it wet, but does that mean I should soak it and pour a little water on the surface? or just pour water on the surface?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Nicky B

Sounds like a plan.

One other thing -- the instructions say it can be used wet, dry, or with oil. I was thinking of doing it wet, but does that mean I should soak it and pour a little water on the surface? or just pour water on the surface?

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Barber hones are not porous so soaking doesn't do anything. Just pour a little water on the surface.

Thanks guys!

If soap and water do not clean the hone then use oven cleaner on it followed by soap and water. Repeat as necessary. Be sure to take some sandpaper and round the edges a bit. Sharp edges on hones can cause micro-chipping on the razors edge.

Be aware that a Barbers hone is largely for maintaining an edge, not restoring a vintage blade or removing nicks.

Don't worry, I do my research unlike this guy -- http://straightrazorpalace.com/gener...s-youtube.html -- No plans for restoring yet... just keeping a nice edge on the razor.

wow i haven't laugh like this for a long time.thankyou