Well… barber hones are an interesting species. They are made in much the same way as pottery. The abrasive is mixed with “fusible” clay and water, then placed in a mold and baked in an oven (kiln). Then the working surface of the “stone” is lapped (if necessary) and in come cases the surface is glazed to give it a shiny finish, at that point it is ready for market.
Those that are glazed have a glass like surface and water will “pool” on the surface. However if the surface is lapped the glaze is gone and water is less likely to pool (so you can easily tell if it has been lapped post-factory because the surface no longer glass-like and takes on a lighter color… you can’t miss it).
Incidentally, the same is recommended when the hone has become glazed from use, to rub with emery or pumice (lapping?). Note: we are referencing two different type of glazes… 1) the glaze they put on at the factory, and 2) glaze that occurs from embedded metal particles (or a surface needs refreshed) after the stone has been in use for some time. So one wonders why glaze the stone it will be gone as soon as it’s rubbed with abrasive.
I am often puzzled but the “… 4-5 strokes is sufficient”. I suppose it would imply a razor that only needs a touch-up, but what about a razor that was previously “shave ready” but was used to a point where it needs a little more than a touch-up… should we use 5-10 strokes?... most instructions for “Swaty” type hones do not explain. However, instructions for two sided hones do say “… if the razor is very dull then first a few strokes on the Course side then finish on the Fine side”.
I believe most Swaty type stones are slow cutters, I don’t know why… maybe it’s because it is difficult to determine how fast they cut relative to other types of hones, in any case, it is said they are unsuitable for heavier wedge type razors.
Speaking of using the Swaty type with slurry, I’ve experimented with it (mentioned many months ago in a thread on SRP). The barber hone does indeed become a different animal.
But for the curious folks reading this thread a few centuries from now, some photos collected form various sources, instructions and info on those Swaty type hones. Some photos may not be legible so I transcribe those but please note: there may be some errors but it’s the best I can do with the photos.
Franz Swaty hone (winner of the 1903 medal)
Notice.
Since the decease of the inventor Francis Swaty, Wahring-Vienna, who died on the 18th of Dec. 1883, his son Francis Swaty (chemist) is the sole manufacturer of Alumin hone.
These hones have a world wide reputation since 1879 and upwards of 3,330.000 are in use. Every hone is warranted. Swatyol is the best honing oil for razor on the Swaty-hones.
Swaty Alumin razor-hone
1. The two sides of the alumina hone differ in roughness; the one marked with the firm is the sharper one.
2. Half hollow and thick razors must be honed first on the rougher surface (but not too long) and then on the finer surface as directed under 3.
3. On the finer surface only the thin hollow ground razor can be honed in the following manner: Put the razor with the back and edge flat on the hone as the above woodcut shows and draw the razor 3 or 4 times against the edge; when drawing the back, the razor must be turned on its back. Then ret the edge. Should it not be sharp enough commence the same process again until the required sharpness is produced.
4. The honing can be done with oil water or Swatyol.
5. Should the rougher side by long use get too smooth rub when dry with rough emery paper or with a flat piece of pumice stone and plenty of water.
6. Should the finer surface by long use get too smooth rub it gently with fine emery paper.
Note: for those of you (including myself) confused by (…flat on the hone as the above woodcut shows…) “woodcut” refers to the diagram at the top of the page… “Woodcut” - the image is first relief-carved on wood (mirror image) and is used in the printing on paper.
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Instructions for another Swaty razor hone, possibly later than the above (note: there is no mention of a “rougher side”)
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And now from my small collection.
Winner Razor Hone. It has two sides brown (Swaty type) and white (hard chalky).
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The Apart Hone (Swaty type)
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Perforated Razor Hone (Wireless Hone), (Swaty type) (for 50c)
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Perforated Razor Hone (Wireless Hone), (Swaty type). This is the large size mentioned on the label of the one above (for $1.00).
Interesting... Notice line #4: Hone Razor every second or third shave.
Interesting... Notice line #6: When the razor is sharp it will stick or cling when drawn lightly over the wet fingernail.
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And finally, the “speed demon” of razor hones The Corborundun Razor Hone.
