DJKELLY
Well-Known Member
Tolrof (Torbo in future refs) has mentioned several times that he finishes on a BBW dry. My experience with dry stones has been very limited, but the other day I was at the GF's and only had a tiny Japanese stone available. It gives a great finish and I use it as a touch up hone on the road. I got a wild hair and gave an already sharp blade a touch up with that stone, dry, using circular (helicoptical) strokes. At first it was a little gritty, but soon the surface seemed to fill with steel and got very, very smooth. I was very surprised to get a super hht right off the stone, and the shave mirrored that sharpness. A bit brisk for me, but very acceptable.
Page two: Now at home, I took an Ebay special, complete with nicks, through the 600/1200 coticule process. (35 seconds flat) I also used a secret method to make a nice smile in this abused blade. To finish, I used an almost square bout vintage combo BBW because it did have the pink spots. (I think the hone is a La Petite Blanche-isn't that the one with the blue stripes in the yellow side)
I loaded the surface of the stone with metal from a pocket knife first, and again used circular stokes to refine the edge, which happened quickly. The HHT is super. With a thick hair, I can choose to filet it and make little curls, or cut it completely silently. I haven't even stropped yet.
So, Torbo, is this similar to your technique and has anyone really given dry honing a fair shot? I know I will give it a lot more attention. It is surprisingly satisfying and nice to be able to do anywhere. I think the stone loads up and has the same effect as the hard soap/wax trick.
Yours truly, Denny
Page two: Now at home, I took an Ebay special, complete with nicks, through the 600/1200 coticule process. (35 seconds flat) I also used a secret method to make a nice smile in this abused blade. To finish, I used an almost square bout vintage combo BBW because it did have the pink spots. (I think the hone is a La Petite Blanche-isn't that the one with the blue stripes in the yellow side)
I loaded the surface of the stone with metal from a pocket knife first, and again used circular stokes to refine the edge, which happened quickly. The HHT is super. With a thick hair, I can choose to filet it and make little curls, or cut it completely silently. I haven't even stropped yet.
So, Torbo, is this similar to your technique and has anyone really given dry honing a fair shot? I know I will give it a lot more attention. It is surprisingly satisfying and nice to be able to do anywhere. I think the stone loads up and has the same effect as the hard soap/wax trick.
Yours truly, Denny