Thread: Recommend a very fine barber's hone?

I need a small stone for travelling that will approximate my Chinese 12k+ stone. I see a ton of 'em on eB*y, but don't which ones are on which end of the scale, abrasive-wise. Thanks

As I recall tilly from the other site sells a wide variety of barbers finishing hones on eboy which are small and would be what your looking for. I have several models like the peaches and cream, swattys, lautterjung, amalgamite. She sells under redtrader or something like that

here is her site:

http://redtrader99.com/hones.html

it looks like either itsapeach or the lithide

contact her, she'll know.

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?

Swatys are regarded as between 8000-10,000 grit.

Originally Posted by randydance062449

Swatys are regarded as between 8000-10,000 grit.

I know there are two line Swatys and three line Swatys. Which were you referring to? I remember reading somewhere that the Swaty was more lik 12K. Does this sound at all likely to you?

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

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