Thread: Barber Hones

Vincent,

I concur, but would also add that there are much greater differences between the various "families" of barber hones. Of my growing collection, I can discern several distinct varieties: the swaty type; carborundum; the peaches and cream; blue point; barber school; Kimberley; a diverse assortment of combination hones and medium single grit hones. The brown colored medium grit hones are very similar. Many of these (Cmon; Wester Bros; Amalgamite etc...) I expect were manufactured toward the the end of the straight razor era, at the time when pasted strops had gained popularity. This may explain the lack of diversity among this particular type of hone. On the other hand, there are some major differences among the other varieties. And, as you say, there is diversity within each of these individual families too. Of the Swaty variety, the differences between the Apart; Swaty (American and Austrian), Premier etc. become more discernable the more you use them. Discussing these differences is not easy, however. So much information about them has been lost. It would be very interesting to try to make a grading system for classic barber hones, to help us articulate and demarcate their similarities and differences.

Vincent, I'd reserve the Swaty for fine tuning the blade and use your Amalgamite or Itsapeech for backhoning if necessary. Try the Itsapeech first, and the Amalgamite if necessary.

Hal

Although I mainly use the Swaty for fine tuning newly honed blades and touching up ones in my rotation, I have also used a Swaty when restoring a very dull razor. Several laps on the Swaty before using a coarse grit hone seems to help the edge get started on some intransigent blades.

Hal