Thread: Keen Kutter

I recently found my grandfathers old barber hone. It's labled Keen Kutter.

I can't find any info on the internet so can any experts out there tell me about what grit this stone has...it's hard to tell because the side that's been used (a lot) has sort of a glaze on it and feels very smooth.

The problem is that the glaze will affect how yours performs. Another Keen Kutter might seem to be a lower grit than yours if it had been kept clean, or was recently lapped.

The best thing to do is give it a shot. If you don't have spare razors, nows the time to start picking them up, so that you can learn to maintain at least one razor without having to learn on that one.

Most barber hones are at least usable, maybe not outstandingly comfortable but still good, a little finishing paste on a paddle strop would be icing on the cake.

The best thing to do is give it a shot. If you don't have spare razors, nows the time to start picking them up, so that you can learn to maintain at least one razor without having to learn on that one.


You mean I shouldn't try that hone out with my favorite TI razor? Where's your sense of adventure?

Actually I'll probably never use that hone...I'm just curious since it's the only thing I ever seen my grandfather use on his razor.

I think we've become a little spoiled with the technology we have today (although I won't be trading in my Shapton 16k for a Swaty any time soon) as with a little honing and a whole LOT of stropping he could put almost as good an edge on his razor then as I can today...it just took him longer.