Thread: Barber hone - how often and how many laps?

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Use the barber hone when a sharp razor seems to start pulling or tugging and stropping no longer brings it up to snuff, 4-6 roundtrips on the hone and a good stropping should bring it back to par.

^ +1 on Kelly's comments. And he should know - he owns more barber hones than I've ever seen in one place!

And I know this isn't what you asked about, but having picked up a couple of barber hones off the 'bay myself, I would suggest you inspect it for imperfections before putting a razor on it (it didn't seem as though the seller knew much about it, so I doubt it's been lapped recently). It should feel smooth and flat to the touch. If it doesn't, hit the hardware store and pick up some GatorGrit waterproof sandpaper (about $1 per sheet) in 220g, 400g, 600g, & 1500g and lap it before use. Josh Earl posted a great how-to on lapping barber hones - it's in the wiki here: Hone Lapping 101 - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Originally Posted by MrDavid

^ +1 on Kelly's comments. And he should know - he owns more barber hones than I've ever seen in one place!

If Lynn or Ron show up t0 the meet with their collections, I will look like a pauper!

Thanks again for all the advice. I'll keep this in mind when the time comes for me to actually put it into action.

It takes what it takes. Try 5 strokes, strop and shave. If it's there, you're done; if not, try 5 more, strop and shave. Repeat as necessary.