Thread: ebay hone grits

Within the last few months I have aquired 2 razor hones off of ebay. (Yes, I will be getting a Norton 4/8K in the near future.) One is somewhat used, but does not feel worn down or dished out. (The Champion) The other looks and feels like it was unused. (Edlis Special No. 715)

Is there a way of telling what grit these hones are?

I have used the Edlis and then a strop on a couple of razors with what I considered fair results. In the near future I plan on getting a shave ready razor from one of the members here. I will be able to compare my efforts to the real deal at that time. I will also be able to compare the results on these hones to the results I get with the Norton.

Thanks, Roy

Some of our members that use traditional barber hones will likely have some info for you, however, In the event no one has expierence with both of those hones I'd email Tilly (http://www.redtrader99.com/hones.html) and ask her expierence/opinions as to where those hones fall.
Expect an answer more along the lines of "fine and medium" Vs. an exact grit size... if you'll read down this forum you'll notice that "grits" are subject to interpetation
However grits are great with some butter next to some over-easy eggs

Thank You, for pointing the way. A fella could get lost in that place.

Did you get an answer on the Edlis hone? The reason I ask is that I have pick one up as well and was wondering about the grit.

The quick and dirty way is to compare two edges under magnification. It will be relative and not absolute but it will tell you something. What you'll see is the width of the grooves being different. Be sure to hold the magnification constant and use one stone of known grit. Also use either the same razor or two of the same brand and style as the stones will groove differently on different razors. Grit size is such a non-standard, relativistic, somewhat subjective assignation that it's tough to figure out. Eventually you'll be able to tell with your thumb nail going across the stone.

To build on what Howard said: The reason that the width of the scratches is only part of the equation is that the scratches also have a depth, which is hard to see with a microscope. Some materials make wider but shallower grooves, while others make finer but deeper ones. An edge with wider but shallower grooves may shave better than an edge that looks "finer."

Just a caution so you don't make the mistake I did in assuming that the microscope tells all.

Josh

Thank Howard I will try that.

Gene