Thread: Recommend a very fine barber's hone?

Originally Posted by randydance062449

In the case of classic barber hones I think we are talking about the effective rating as opposed to the actual grit size. Which is, in the end, what we are really interested in.

From my point of view, the grit may not be as meaningful as two practical measures: the effective rating (maybe 5 levels) and the speed.

For example Swatys are certainly fine hones but they're a lot faster than other fine hones. A few quick swipes can refresh a razor, but if I use one of the fine finishing hones, I need to work a lot harder. Just telling me that they're 10K doesn't tell me as much as they're very fine but fast.

Originally Posted by threeputt

Thanks guys, this is good stuff. Joe, could you explain two-line and three-line Swaty hones?

I'm just learning about that myself. The 2 line is supposed to be coarser than the 3 line. What we're referring to is the cutout on one side where the company infor appears. Some have two lines of text and others 3.

BTW, you need to be aware of the speed differences between fine hones. The Swatys are fine but fast, perfect for refreshing a razor with a few swipes. THe finishing hones, like the Honemeister, are slow and, even though they may be the same grit, you get more control that way. Also whether you use a hone dry, with water, or with lather changes the speed of cut, offering you more control.

Originally Posted by threeputt

I emailed her about the itsapeech, but the more I think about it, I could just order the smaller thinner version of the Chinese 12k from woodcraft. It wouldn't be THAT much bigger, and maybe I can find some kind of cool leather sleeve or something to pack it in. We'll see what she says about the barber's hone. Where do the Franz Swaty hones fall in terms of grit?

Before you do that you need to decide what you'll be doing when you travel. If you're going to work on razors, you'll need your whole set. But I suspect you just need something to refresh a razor, so you're not talking a about a slow Chinese stone but a quick Swaty (a few swipes and you're refreshed).

It would be just for touching up a razor or two while on the road. I wouldn't mind 10 minutes on a slow Chinese stone as opposed to 10 seconds on a Swaty, if it meant a finer edge. I'd be going straight to the strop after whatever stone it is, and I'd like to approximate my touch ups at home. How about a yellow Belgian coticule, a small one?

Originally Posted by threeputt

It would be just for touching up a razor or two while on the road. I wouldn't mind 10 minutes on a slow Chinese stone as opposed to 10 seconds on a Swaty, if it meant a finer edge. I'd be going straight to the strop after whatever stone it is, and I'd like to approximate my touch ups at home. How about a yellow Belgian coticule, a small one?

If you wanted to approximate what you do at home you would need a slow hone, but there are slow fine finishing barber hones that could do the job. The only reason you would go for one of those is price or convenience of use, for example if you could use one dry.

Originally Posted by threeputt

I need a small stone for travelling that will approximate my Chinese 12k+ stone.

I gotta weigh in here threeput. I've been doing better and better on my waterstone technique, but the barber hone still eludes me. I don't know if you're familiar with the barber hones but if you're serious about MAKING SURE your razor stays keened up on the road, I think you're wise to consider a pasted paddle strop. I've been using a pocket flatbed myself and it's really a great finishing cutter which allows me to rely on my stropping technique.

Just my thoughts, donate the penny.

X

If you're interested in a good Swaty type hone for travelling, I'd recommend a Premier. It's much smaller than a traditional Swaty so it is easier to carry. It's intended for maintaining a razor that's just begun to lose its edge. Four or five light passes should be sufficient. Tilly sells these NOS for 15.00 USD.

Hal

I think I may have found what I was looking for, as long as it isn't TOO small for me to get the hang of. Snagged a Belgian coticule, 2x4.5 inches. That should work out alright from all I've read, they list those at 8000 grit, but in practice I understand they produce a much finer feeling edge. Perfectly suited to go right to the strop afterwards. Again, it will just be for in-a-pinch touch-ups. I have a pasted paddle, but it's not something I want to lug around. That, and the fact that it's pasted with .25 on one side and .5 on the other, haven't figured a clever way to keep them separated and clean, other than keeping it hanging under my sink. Now for that stone, I need to find someone who can make a small leather slipcase for it. Any recommendations?

threeputt,

Would an eyeglass case work for that hone? Just a thought.

Randy

Originally Posted by halwilson

If you're interested in a good Swaty type hone for travelling, I'd recommend a Premier. It's much smaller than a traditional Swaty so it is easier to carry. It's intended for maintaining a razor that's just begun to lose its edge. Four or five light passes should be sufficient. Tilly sells these NOS for 15.00 USD.

Hal

I can attest to the goodness of the Premier as well. I got one off Tilly (who is a pleasure to business with). It really refreshes an edge quickly.
Best,
Mark