Thread: refreshing a razor with the hone

I'm finding that each barber hone is different and has to be learned one on one. I use the Carborundum 103 the most, but even the Lithide is OK once I spent time learning on it. I also own a Swaty which is good but old (read this as with some damage in the stone itself).

I usually use them with lather, but have gotten good results lately with hand cream, based on a post from someone else. They work great.

I like buying the barber hones with the directions. I love reading the directions. With the Carborundum it said to use "light airy sweeping strokes" and by God you know what X, that advice has helped me out on every razor hone I own.

Number: I use about 6-10 strokes, per the directions.

Never a pyramid. I think barber hones are relegated to updating an already sharp razor. I may be wrong but I'd never try and hone a razor with a barber hone, thats where a Norton really shines. IMHO

Alan,
Your statement of practice makes perfect is right on and exactly why I made mine. If you use that tool you will become proficient at it and probaly see value in it that others don't. That was my point with Lynn and the Norton's, me with the Paddles, Hal with the barber hones, etc.....

The barber hones are readily available and if one takes the time to learn with them he will get fine results. Most though will likely gravitate to the tool that give them the best results the easiest and for each that may be a different tool.

I thought it right on the money!

Tony