Thread: Swaty lines

I bought a Swaty barberhone just after I started straight shaving, I've been using it both for touch up and as finisher withe pretty good results.

I've seen a lot of people talking about different number of lines regarding the Swaty hones, I really haven't given it much thought, but now I feel it is time to satisfy my curiosity.

What are these lines? Are they the one on the back of the hone like showed in the picures of mine? If so, how many lines is mine? I can count seven, but can't remember reading anything of a seven lined Swaty??

What does the lines mean? Do it have anything to do with the grit of the hone?

as far as i know, the lines refers to the number of lines of writing on it. some have 2 some 3 some 4....i dont know if there is a difference in performance.

Yeah, it is the number for lines of text. There was a period of time where the old barbers were getting the Swaty from the suppliers and they all had 3 lines of text embossed. Then Swaty changed locations and the embossing went to two lines. Naturally, human nature being what it is the old barbers wanted to know if the supplier had the 3 line hones. AFAIK, the formula for a 3 line, or a two line is the same, as is the performance. Eventually an enterprising supplier made a hone and named it "Three Line Hone" and maybe the Swaty name may have been in there. I used to have one and can't remember for sure. He was trying to capitalize on the reputation of the real Swaty.

Swaty did make other barber hones with different formulas and stampings as well. the 3 lines of text models developed a cult following that continues to this day though.

From what I have heard it is the number of lines of writing. I think the 3 lines are preferred by most.

Yes, like JimmyHAD and the others have said, lines of text is all there is to it.

I have the 3 line version, so on our next meet-up we could compare them, and see what all the hubbub is about
Personally I think we'll find them very similar in results though..

There is an actual Marburg/Austria Swaty stamped with the words "Three Line" I have to look on the home computer I bet I still have pics, I have had three of them pass through my hands...

Keep in mind when comparing these hones, unless they have the original factory finish, then the comparison isn't a fair test

wiki to the rescue!

TY Lee, But that may or may not be a "Genuine" Franz Swaty which is what Jimmy was pointing out ... That one could be a Pike Swaty

The ones I have had/seen were stamped specifically

Franz Swaty
Marburg / Austria
Three Line Hone

Hmm. I think I'll add what you said to that image, I did not know that. I look forward to your photo of a genuine stamped "three line"

I wonder if the Pike Swaty was made by Pike or by Swaty with the Pike name included ? I once had an Escher Barber's Delight that was labeled (on the box, not the hone) Pike Escher. Thinking Pike wouldn't have risked copyright or trademark infringement so it was probably Swaty making if for Pike ?