Thread: Barber hones characteristics

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

I haven't seen swaty with that way but have seen other barber hones(should have one) with similar notes. use another side first then labeled side(usually finer) . By looking at the stone you can 't figure it out because colors are both side same.hope this helps.

FWIW, I just wanted to say +1 on this. I've had three different Swaty's, and all have been uniform stones (as far as I can tell). I had also heard/read somewhere something about them being different on each side, but, as far as I can tell, they are uniform.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

FWIW, I just wanted to say +1 on this. I've had three different Swaty's, and all have been uniform stones (as far as I can tell). I had also heard/read somewhere something about them being different on each side, but, as far as I can tell, they are uniform.

The instructions that they came with say that one side is coarser than the other. If we had a Hone Clubs sub forum it would be easy to find info like this. BTW, I have a few Swatys and all of them appear to be the same on either side including the NIB that came with these instructions.

Had you posted that before, Jimmy? Cause now that I'm seeing it, the language looks ever more familiar, and I'm sure I must have seen those specific instructions before. Yes, if there was a Swaty thread, it would indeed have been easier to get a hold of this information.

I see you saying that both sides appear the same. It seems that Sham also agrees, as do I. I wonder if perhaps there is more of one of the cutting agents towards one side as opposed do the other that would make one side cut faster or like a lower grit than the other. Sounds like there may be need for a little experimentation. I just so happen to have a pair of identical, un-honed Henkels 401's and I wouldn't mind lapping the back of my long Swaty and testing front vs back. I'll keep you posted, when I have a chance to try.

Fine hone use only for final touch up. gl

Sham Nice hones!!! I didn't know C-Mon made one or did Swaty make it and put there name on it?
The Simmons Keen Cutter was double sided and had instructions for using both sides.
I found this one on ebay for a buy it now of $14.99. It has a pretty good chip on it but somebody may be interested. It has the box also.
RAPIDWAY Razor Hone, Barber Strop Honer Stone in Box - eBay (item 400055218082 end time Jul-10-09 15:45:27 PDT)

I remember Ron showing us this rare hone for DE blades. It is one neat hone. The blade attaches to the handle and the ball allows it to rotate and stay in the handle for use on both sides.
VINTAGE SCOTTS SAFETY RAZOR BLADE HONE & STROPPER #727 - eBay (item 140332307381 end time Jul-16-09 18:23:58 PDT)

that hone for safety blade razor. 2 sided ones. Thank you for help

Yep when Ron showed me he said they are pretty rare if I remember correctly. It just rolls along on that ball and articulates at the hinge to keep it at the right angle.

shaving sharpness is made on this hone.Color is green. will act as a fast cutter and approximately grit would be around 8k. Next stone is tool stone i just put it on .Diamond and very good for setting bevel.


first 2 picture ecsher's picture accidentally i uploaded

You sure got a nice one. The green tint one looks to be little used and a brand I haven't seen before.