Thread: Big Stones, Little Stones ???

The size and messiness of using a Norton Caused me to relegate it to serious honing sessions. For a single razor touchup, I like to grab a barber hone or a pasted strop.

But I don't just think in terms of size. It's more convenience. So, to avoid the inconvenience of the Norton 4/8, I'll often go to a ceramic hone. I still like the Norton and larger hones best for serius honing and groups of razors.

I am of the opinion that the large Norton is a trifle on the cumbersome side for razors.



I think (and this is just my own opinion) that a 6”X2” hone would be ideal for just about any razor work that I’m likely to be doing (finish work as well as aggressive honing).

The 6” length would leave plenty of room for larger blades (6/8’s and up), but still be short enough to keep the stroke pattern limited and consistent. I prefer to have the blade over-hang the hone just a smidge with any sharpening I do. For some reason it helps me keep the blade level and the pressure consistent. So the 2” width would be preferred over the 3”.



I think the 4” barber hones would be good for the average razor (average being 5/8’s), but might be a little short for the larger blades. A 7/8 or 8/8 blade would only use 3” of hone surface since the wide blade would start 1” from the starting edge. A 5” hone would be better if you have 6/8-7/8 razors but 6” would be just right for all blades IMO.



As I’ve said in the other thread similar to this one, I only use half of my Norton at any given time. I have half a mind to actually cut down the big 8” hone to a 6” and use the 2” end piece as a pocket/pack hone for my skinners. I just cant bring my self to cut a $60 hone yet.

Thanks guys. Your fedback is helpful as I plan to add some stones or hones to my products for next year and only want to stock the most useful sizes.

Pretty much set that 3x8 and 2x6 will be the standards I keep on hand and maybe a few odd barber hones for those that like them. I realize there are many suppliers with stones but it is nice to e able to order a few items at once instead of visitin 3 suppliers in order to buy three items.

Tony

Tony, if your going to start selling hones please be sure to let the buyer know that they need to round over (soften)the edges of the hone. This will reduce the possibility of nicks when using the X pattern.
(ask me how I know this!)

Originally Posted by Tony Miller

Thanks guys. Your fedback is helpful as I plan to add some stones or hones to my products for next year and only want to stock the most useful sizes.

Pretty much set that 3x8 and 2x6 will be the standards I keep on hand and maybe a few odd barber hones for those that like them. I realize there are many suppliers with stones but it is nice to e able to order a few items at once instead of visitin 3 suppliers in order to buy three items.

Tony