Originally Posted by
Utopian
Here are a couple of labels. In Littlesilverblades' defense, usually the waviness between the two sides of a hone is a pretty good indicator of a natural combo coticule. The Frictionites are an exception in that for some reason when the two sides were poured (?) they often did not end up straight.
The labels of my three Frictionites all indicate that the darker, brown side is to be used first. I have seen this same convention in a few other two sided barber hones. I suspect this standard was established in order to remain consistent with the order of use for a natural combo coticule, though I'm not certain how many barbers actually ever bothered to use the dark side of a coticule.
Have fun playing with your new toys!