Thread: Franz Swaty Hone

Hi Folks, recently won a Franz Swaty hone in excellent shape on ebay few days ago. I have received it and it's in excellent condition. But now, does anyone know what grit this would be? It's a very dark brown in color, and if you look at it carefully on both sides it looks like it contains fine metal speckles in it thru out the entire hone. No chips, cracks or breaks of any kind and doesnt even look used to me. Were the Swaty hones used in barber shops and by barbers? Any info is as always appreciated Hone even contains the original paper with the Swaty guarantee and honing directions included as well. Pretty neat to have I assume.

The Swaty has been described as a finishing hone. It is a very fine hone that should probably be used after the 8000 Norton. Like all classic barber hones it will accumulate metal unless a lubricant such as water or lather is used. It has been around for a long time.

Hope this helps,

It's probaby 10,000 to 12,000 grit. You don't necessarily need to use this hone with the Norton. If you have an edge that's pretty good but needs refreshing you can do afew swipes on the barber hone only and then strop. The number you do will depend on the condition of the edge.

Originally Posted by Techy

Hi Folks, recently won a Franz Swaty hone in excellent shape on ebay few days ago. I have received it and it's in excellent condition. But now, does anyone know what grit this would be? It's a very dark brown in color, and if you look at it carefully on both sides it looks like it contains fine metal speckles in it thru out the entire hone. No chips, cracks or breaks of any kind and doesnt even look used to me. Were the Swaty hones used in barber shops and by barbers? Any info is as always appreciated Hone even contains the original paper with the Swaty guarantee and honing directions included as well. Pretty neat to have I assume.

Hey Techy,
I have a Norton combo water stone that I use for real honing jobs, but I do like ceramic "barber hones", like the Swaty. I have a Swaty and a few others, including a two-sided barber hone (different grits on each side).
I keep one in the bathroom for touch-ups. If I find that I start a shave with a stropped razor that's pulling, not quite keen enough, a few swipes on a barber hone, and re-stropping on plain leather, typically brings it right back. Generally, I use mine dry, with good results. BTW, a strop with sharpening paste can be good for this, too.
Some of my barber hones have some shiny specks and some don't. Just the nature of the ceramic.
After some use you will see where metal loads up a bit on the hone. I clean mine with soap and water, scrubbing lightly with a cloth; that takes off most of the stuff.
Every str8 razor shaver should have a Swaty or similar stone. Good purchase.
Parry

I agree. I use either the ITSAPEECH, or my VELVET EDGE barber hones as fine finishing hoes, as well. I now use them the exact same as you guys ....if the edge needs a little buffing just before, or even during , a shave. Refreshes the edge quickly, and after a bit of stropping is back to keen again.

I have used these hones to increas the number of weeks between hitting the real stones (4K-8K-13K) again.

Plus, there are just FUN to have!!!

Best -

I have a Pike Newshell Swaty, so I assume the word swaty means something and is not a brand name? I assume my Swaty is a finishing stone too? I'm curious. Mine came with the original directions and box, so it was pretty cool. It says:

Lay the blade flat and draw it, edge foremost, the length of the hone. Do not lift the blade but roll on its back and reverse the motion. It is immaterial whether blade is held diagonally or straight across. Five strokes are usually sufficient. Light pressure only in needed. Wipe off hone with damp cloth every time after using; this removes all accumulation of steel. After honing always finish on a Pike Newshell Strop, the proven leather for razors.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

I have a Pike Newshell Swaty, so I assume the word swaty means something and is not a brand name? I assume my Swaty is a finishing stone too? I'm curious. Mine came with the original directions and box, so it was pretty cool.

That's one fine maintenance hone! I also have a Pike Swaty and it is certainly a Swaty comparable with, though not exactly the same as, the other half dozen Swatys I have (two and three line American, Austrian and Yugoslovakian...). I don't know why I have collected so many? Tilly sells (or used to sell) a NOS "Premier" hone that works very much like a "swaty" type hone and is one of my favorites.

Hal

Originally Posted by randydance062449

The Swaty has been described as a finishing hone. It is a very fine hone that should probably be used after the 8000 Norton.

I would not classify a Swaty as finishing hone, but rather as a maintenance hone. Hones such as the Itsapeech, Velvet, Peaches and Cream, Honemaster are all finishing hones designed to finish the edge established with a coarser grit hone. I would not use a Swaty like I would use one of these hones. A Swaty is used to maintain an edge that has already be established, without resorting to coarser grit hones or a lenghty honing procedure. It is used more frequently than other hones and 4 or 5 very light passes should be all that is necessary to restore a keen edge. Swaty's are also very useful for backhoning, when needed.

Hal

I keep seeing this. What do "two line" and "three line" mean.

Originally Posted by halwilson

I have (two and three line American, Austrian and Yugoslovakian...).
Hal

Good question Joe. Well, so far as I can tell, the imprint on the topside of the hone either has two lines of script or three lines of script. That does not mean, however, that the hones are identical. How they differ, I cannot say at present.

Hal