Thread: Size (hone) matters?

Is use of an 8x3 easier for an inexperienced honer than an 8x2 or some lesser size? The jump in expense to a wider stone, especially a coticule, is significant. If it makes a difference, I'd have to consider. Thanks all.

Jim

I like an 8X3 but I also find an 8X2 is very effective. In case of a smiling blade or warped spine maybe even better. You will find advocates or longer, shorter, thinner, wider posting their preference. Maybe it is whatever you get used to.

8x3's always seemed a waste to me. I do an x-stroke even on wide hones, so the top inch or so of an 8x3 ain't doing much.

8x2 is my ideal hone size. Narrower ones can be good too if you're dealing with a warped blade.

Length is more important to me than width; I like a good long stroke.

Sorry not to be more definitive; these things are subjective though.

The main difficulty when learning to hone is keeping the entire length of the blade flat on the razor without any torquing.* It's easier to keep the blade flat on a three inch hone than a two or one inch hone but as Jimmy said, you can get used to any size with practice.

*(Later, when you try to do the rolling X stroke torquing is exactly what you want to do but it has to be done with control.)

Delivered today my first BBW: 4" x 1"1/4

Originally Posted by dylandog

8x3's always seemed a waste to me. I do an x-stroke even on wide hones, so the top inch or so of an 8x3 ain't doing much.

8x2 is my ideal hone size. Narrower ones can be good too if you're dealing with a warped blade.

Length is more important to me than width; I like a good long stroke.

Sorry not to be more definitive; these things are subjective though.

I totaly agree
My preference is 1 1/2 to 2" in width
I like the longest possible hone on lower grits
As for finishing only, a 1 1/2 x 6 is OK, but for bevel setting and for polishing, a longer hone is prefered.
(in case of coticule and because this stone is multifuctional and not only for finishing, I like the size of 1 1/2 x 8" or 2x8 and not smaller in length.)

But this is only my personal oppinion.

Originally Posted by jleeg

Is use of an 8x3 easier for an inexperienced honer than an 8x2 or some lesser size? The jump in expense to a wider stone, especially a coticule, is significant. If it makes a difference, I'd have to consider. Thanks all.

Jim

You established your parameters right there, and as Jimmy and Ron already stated the hardest thing is to keep a blade flat for a beginner... So with those parameters yes an 8x3 inch is the "best" for a beginner... You can always develop HAD later and branch out to other hones later... (the rest of us have )
Keep in mind you can use any size but your question was what is easiest to learn on...and IMHO the wider hone is easier

I agree that a wider hone is easier to learn on. It also has an advantage of less likelihood of developing a "Frown" in the blade when using the lower grits like 1K & 4K.

However, you will find that most vintage razors do not have a straight edge shape but rather a smile shape. For those a heel leading X stroke or a rolling X stroke will be required.

I have adopted the rolling X stroke so I can use most any size hone and actually prefer a narrow 1 & 1/4" wide hone.

Just my $.02,

I would only add that if you have a smiley blade, wedge, frowned blade and abused spine that using a 45 degree angle on an 8x3 stone works very well. I have never found that a thinner stone has any advantage when it comes to honing.

Lynn