Thread: Touch up...

Hi,
All i need is a hone to touch up some moderately dull razors. I dont need to restore razors or anything like it, but I'm wondering if a 12K Naniwa hone would be a good buy? Or any other suggestions would be much appreciated.

thanks

The Naniwa 12k, a barber hone, a Shapton 16k or send them to a honemeister from the classifieds.

All of those are good bets for a touch up.

A Naniwa would do the trick, although a Chinese 12K's cheaper (~$20 from Woodcraft). Any high grit hone will do the job though (>8K).

I guess I'm wondering what you mean by "moderately dull?" If you mean your razor is starting to pull when you shave, then a few passes on a barber hone, or other high grit hone would work. If it was me and I had no interest in honing, I'd get an inexpensive barber hone.

If you mean by "moderately dull," razors that don't need a bevel set, but more than a few passes to refresh, then that's a whole different story. The general recommendation around here seems to be the 4000/8000 grit Norton. But other hones in the range would work.

If you could clarify what you mean by "moderately dull," then some of the honing experts on the forum will be able to advise, much better than I can.

Have fun!

Originally Posted by keenedge

I guess I'm wondering what you mean by "moderately dull?" If you mean your razor is starting to pull when you shave, then a few passes on a barber hone, or other high grit hone would work. If it was me and I had no interest in honing, I'd get an inexpensive barber hone.

If you mean by "moderately dull," razors that don't need a bevel set, but more than a few passes to refresh, then that's a whole different story. The general recommendation around here seems to be the 4000/8000 grit Norton. But other hones in the range would work.

If you could clarify what you mean by "moderately dull," then some of the honing experts on the forum will be able to advise, much better than I can.

Have fun!

+1 on this. I have a barber hone and a 12K. The 12K is good for finishing but for just a touch up, the barber hone would be best.

The razors are just starting to pull when shaving, so a barber hone or 12-16K would be best? Not sure if I'd have the need for a 4/8K.

thanks

Originally Posted by Yahoochiewatchie

The razors are just starting to pull when shaving, so a barber hone or 12-16K would be best? Not sure if I'd have the need for a 4/8K.

thanks

I'm a newb so take my advice with a grain of salt and wait for someone else to confirm or suggest something better but I'd still say barber hone. The 12K is really nice for finishing but it take a long time. I think most barber hones are 8 - 10K. They vary by manufacturer and there is no way to determine the grit, but they're perfect for getting the razor back up to snuff if it just needs a little help. Some barber hones have a coarse and fine side as well. The one I have does and it is working really well. The fine side is most likely the same as the 12K or vary similar. The 12K seems to polish the edge a little better but even if you buy a 12-16K later on, I think the barber hone is a must IMO. Either way it's similar end, just a different path.

Originally Posted by Yahoochiewatchie

The razors are just starting to pull when shaving, so a barber hone or 12-16K would be best? Not sure if I'd have the need for a 4/8K.

thanks

Thanks for the clarification. Yep, a barber hone or finish hone should do it. Here's a link to an FAQ on hones for refreshing a blade. There's a list of finishing stones on the page as well.

What hone(s) do I need? - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Hope your blade refresh goes well.

One other plus for the barber hone is, it's easier to travel with than a larger stone.