Thread: A first hone for touch-up

I just started straight shaving 2 days ago... In the next month or two I'd like to get into honing, most likely with something not quite as nice as my new Dovo... I'd like to get a fine stone (I'm thinking a Norton 4k/8k would be over kill just for putting the edge back on a razor in good shape), and I was thinking of the Chinese 12k. But I was wondering if anyone knew the grit rating of a Spyderco Ultra Fine? It's considerably more expensive, but I figure no lapping will be required.

What do you guys think? What's a good 'first hone' for bringing a razor back to shave ready? And yes, I read the wiki

-Mike

I think a basic good quality barber hone would be a good first hone for touch-ups. I really don't have much experience with barber hones, the only brand I have experience with is a Swaty. They typically go for $20-40, give or take. There are other great brands, hopefully someone else will be able to be more informative....

A coticule would also work nicely as a touchup hone, the price is a bit more than a barbers hone but reasonable if you get a smaller size. It depends whether you want to go natural or synthetic. But I think a barber hone is the easiest option.

I agree with Dave. I have a barber hone and a 12K, am new to honing and can say that having the barber hone is better than just the 12K. Although having the 12K is nice.

Hi MrMike. If you decide to go the barber hone route, visit you local flea markets and antique stores. I can't vouch for the prices in your area, but I've run into a couple barber hones here, that are bargains compared to what they run on ebay.

If you intend to put an edge back on a razor , you will need more than just a finish hone . You will at least need a 4k hone , and if the edge bevel needs work , a 1k hone will also be necessary . My rule of thumb is ; if the razor will not cut arm hair above the skin , I start with the 1k .

The Spyderco Ultra Fine is the finest of the stones you've listed. It's officially 2000 grit but finer than most samples of the Chinese 12k.

I know that a lot of guys like the Spyderco line but all I've ever gotten out of mine is frustration. For just touching up I too would recommend the barber hone. If you're ever going to get into honing from scratch the Norton set is a good way to learn and even to continue beyond that if you don't get into honing as a hobby..... and even if you do.

Originally Posted by cotdt

The Spyderco Ultra Fine is the finest of the stones you've listed. It's officially 2000 grit but finer than most samples of the Chinese 12k.

Wait, 2000 grit? I'm confused... Wouldnt that make the Norton a lot finer?

Originally Posted by MrMike

Wait, 2000 grit? I'm confused... Wouldnt that make the Norton a lot finer?

Well, he said they're "officially" 2000 grit, but from everything I've read they perform like a much finer hone, i.e. comparable to a Chinese 12k as cotdt said.

Originally Posted by StraightRazorDave

Well, he said they're "officially" 2000 grit, but from everything I've read they perform like a much finer hone, i.e. comparable to a Chinese 12k as cotdt said.

I've read the same thing. The three they make are ....IIRC medium, fine and ultra fine. I have the trio I bought used from a forum member with one side lapped and the other factory. I've tried both sides and I just don't care for them myself but I have read of others who like them just fine.