Thread: Brand new to the world of honing

Im not quite sure where this should be posted so feel free to move it. The norton starter set is something i may purchase down the line. But for now, im more interested in something i can touch up my blade with besides my pasted strop. Am I right to assume that a barbers hone would be a good way to go, and a decent way for a newbie to learn some future honing techniques? I have enough razors, that i can use one for practice on a barbers hone...but im having quite a hard time finding them anywhere besides ebay.

Swaty is what i hear everyone talking about. The ones on ebay have pretty much no description so im a bit leary, ive been talking to a few members here who may be able to sell me one.

Am I pretty much on the right track here? Use normal stropping, and the pasted side occasionally. Then i could use my barber hone to really touch up the edge nicely?

If anyone could describe how they use a barber hone (adding water, lather and whatnot) or point me in the direction of where i could purchase one I would greatly appreciate it

Tony

I will give you a Pike brand Swaty for free if you just pay the cost of shipping. You can PM me for the details.

This barber hone is virtually perfect and has been lapped. I would not sell it since upon flexing the hone lightly you can see a hairline crack that should in no way affect honing under normal use and that 95% of people wouldn't even see unless they knew what to look for.

It's yours if you want it.

This is a homogenous stone. The crack I speak of is only visible upon flexing on one side of the hone leaving the other side completely unblemished.

Chris L

Originally Posted by ChrisL

I will give you a Pike brand Swaty for free if you just pay the cost of shipping. You can PM me for the details.

This barber hone is virtually perfect and has been lapped. I would not sell it since upon flexing the hone lightly you can see a hairline crack that should in no way affect honing under normal use and that 95% of people wouldn't even see unless they knew what to look for.

It's yours if you want it.

This is a homogenous stone. The crack I speak of is only visible upon flexing on one side of the hone leaving the other side completely unblemished.

Chris L

Just sent you the papal info. Thanks for this!

Great offer Chris!

In answer to the original question. Yes, that is exactly what I would do in your shoes. Especially with that very generous offer. The paste after the barber's should get your blade touched up nicely.

Originally Posted by Leighton

Great offer Chris!

In answer to the original question. Yes, that is exactly what I would do in your shoes. Especially with that very generous offer. The paste after the barber's should get your blade touched up nicely.

Ah i see, so i should strop like normal...then if i notice the blade starting to get a bit dull. Use the stone...then go on to the pasted side of the strop? Sounds right?

Also, with this particular stone...do i need to put water on it or lather? Sorry for all the questions, i just wanna make sure i do more good than evil with this once it arrives.

Originally Posted by shorynot

Ah i see, so i should strop like normal...then if i notice the blade starting to get a bit dull. Use the stone...then go on to the pasted side of the strop? Sounds right?

Also, with this particular stone...do i need to put water on it or lather? Sorry for all the questions, i just wanna make sure i do more good than evil with this once it arrives.

All you really need with a barber hone is some water on it. It can also be used by making some lather from your shaving soap/cream and using that on top.

And Chris, that is an AMAZING offer. Great way to give back.

Originally Posted by ChrisL

I will give you a Pike brand Swaty for free if you just pay the cost of shipping. You can PM me for the details.

This barber hone is virtually perfect and has been lapped. I would not sell it since upon flexing the hone lightly you can see a hairline crack that should in no way affect honing under normal use and that 95% of people wouldn't even see unless they knew what to look for.

It's yours if you want it.

This is a homogenous stone. The crack I speak of is only visible upon flexing on one side of the hone leaving the other side completely unblemished.

Chris L

Thats an awesome gift. I have a Pike Swaty and it makes a great touch-up hone. Very generous gift Chris!

Mac

Originally Posted by McWolf1969

Thats an awesome gift. I have a Pike Swaty and it makes a great touch-up hone. Very generous gift Chris!

Mac

Yes, I am very happy with how generous people are here. Since you got this hone would you mind describing what steps you take when using it?

Originally Posted by shorynot

Ah i see, so i should strop like normal...then if i notice the blade starting to get a bit dull. Use the stone...then go on to the pasted side of the strop? Sounds right?

Depending on the grit of your paste.....No, the other way around. If the paste on your strop is very fine, say .5 micron, then you would want to strop a few passes (say 5 to start) when your edge starts to dull a bit. Then shave. If 5 passes is good, but not great, do five more on the pasted strop, then always strop on plain leather just prior to your shave and try that. Only if/when your edge seems not to respond to passes on a pasted strop would you drop down to a barber hone. That's my opinion taking into account the fact that you'll have BOTH a pasted strop and a barber hone rather than just one or the other.

Other opinions may differ as some have very positive results using a barber hone for a razor touch up without pastes and get excellent results.

Chris L

Originally Posted by ChrisL

Depending on the grit of your paste.....No, the other way around. If the paste on your strop is very fine, say .5 micron, then you would want to strop a few passes (say 5 to start) when your edge starts to dull a bit. Then shave. If 5 passes is good, but not great, do five more on the pasted strop, then always strop on plain leather just prior to your shave and try that. Only if/when your edge seems not to respond to passes on a pasted strop would you drop down to a barber hone. That's my opinion taking into account the fact that you'll have BOTH a pasted strop and a barber hone rather than just one or the other.

Other opinions may differ as some have very positive results using a barber hone for a razor touch up without pastes and get excellent results.

Chris L

Hmmm, im not sure what to do lol. I have a ruprazor Filly with 0.5 chromium oxide paste on it. But from what im gathering from you...the barbers hone should be used kind of as a last resort?