Thread: Franz Swaty Grit

Franz Swaty Razor Hone in Box Vormals - eBay (item 110439415746 end time Oct-04-09 15:00:39 PDT)

I recently purchased this Franz Swaty Hone off Ebay (even if for nothing more than a neat collectible). The seller did not know the grit and there is no indication of the grit. I know it's probably a stretch, but would anyone know or be able to figure out the grit of this hone? It is about 5" in length.

8-10k.unfortunately it has chips on the face of the stone.

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

8-10k.unfortunately it has chips on the face of the stone.

The backside looks good though, so I'm sure you could use that side no problem.

Welcome to SRP. Do you shave with a straight or have plans to do so ? At least you have one side that has no chips and the logo side with the chips could be used in between the chipped areas.

Some Swaty instructions specify a finer grit on the logo side than on the smooth side. I notice that the instructions that came with yours do not draw that distinction. A lot of mystery to the various Swaty hones.

Not to disagree with hi_bud_gl but I have seen folks estimate the grit of the Swaty at 12k but I really don't know. They are mighty good for giving a sharp razor that is falling off a bit a touch up though.

If you haven't already done so there is a lot of info in the SRP Wiki here.

It's a great hone to use just before 1 or 2 (natural) polishing stones. Mine gives me a shavable edge without much effort coming from a 3k synthetic japanse stone but it will shave with a lot of pulling.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Welcome to SRP. Do you shave with a straight or have plans to do so ? At least you have one side that has no chips and the logo side with the chips could be used in between the chipped areas.

Some Swaty instructions specify a finer grit on the logo side than on the smooth side. I notice that the instructions that came with yours do not draw that distinction. A lot of mystery to the various Swaty hones.

Not to disagree with hi_bud_gl but I have seen folks estimate the grit of the Swaty at 12k but I really don't know. They are mighty good for giving a sharp razor that is falling off a bit a touch up though.

If you haven't already done so there is a lot of info in the SRP Wiki here.

I have plans to shave with a straight razor. I ordered one off Ebay (I know this isn't advised for a newbie, but I am a college student with no job, so I can't really afford much). Currently I have everything I need to shave except a strop and the razor (it hasn't come in the mail yet). If anyone knows a good place to get a relatively cheap strop, that would be great actually.

Also that hone is the only one I have, so I'll probably be needing to use sharpening service before I can afford a hone set of my own.

I've been all over the wiki and found a lot of useful information. I was hoping the Swaty would be of a higher grit, so that is good news.

The razor I ordered from Ebay is this one: Antique H. Boker & Co. Straight Razor with box - eBay (item 110439873030 end time Oct-05-09 11:03:02 PDT)

Originally Posted by bknesal

Also that hone is the only one I have, so I'll probably be needing to use sharpening service before I can afford a hone set of my own.

I've been all over the wiki and found a lot of useful information. I was hoping the Swaty would be of a higher grit, so that is good news.

The razor I ordered from Ebay is this one: Antique H. Boker & Co. Straight Razor with box - eBay (item 110439873030 end time Oct-05-09 11:03:02 PDT)

your razor is a good choose. Lets hope doesn't have any cracks etc.
I will help you only with sharpening your razor Free.
If you like you can send pm i let you know my mailing address.

Vintage Bokers are great razors IME and with hiLbud honing it for you it will wipe those whiskers right off. Kenrup sells reasonably priced beginner's strops here.

I really appreciate it hiLbud.
And that strop is EXACTLY the thing i was looking for, thanks!