Vintage Schwarty Barbers Hone

"The Famous Schwarty Razor Hone..."

...it says on the box!  This is a nice long barbers hone, measuring around 2" wide by 5.5" long.  This type of hone was intended to refresh the edge of a dull razor - not for everyday use.  Only about 5 laps on the hone are necessary, and it can be used dry, wet, with lather - or, it says on the box, oil - but I wouldn't use oil with it as then you would have to wipe the blade down.  I find that lather is best - it sort of cushions the blade and helps it suck-down on the hone at the same time.  Contradictory I know, and your experience might differ from mine.

The hone has some tiny chips and some pit holes in it.  Despite what people say, if the marks are below the surface of the hone then they will not affect its operation - I have used this hone and can attest to that!  What sort of an edge does it give?  Well, its not on a par with todays super hones, but it is small and light, easily transportable and it gets the job done.  Followed by stropping on a pasted strop followed by plain leather it gives an acceptable shave.  It is no coticule or thuringian though, by any stretch of the imagination!

The hone comes in its original box, which shows some signs of wear and tear but which is still very usable,  Full instructions are given on the inside of the lid in english, and again - oddly - in german in the base.  I think that the german writing and the very name of the hone - 'Shwarty' were used to confuse buyers with the famous Franz Schwaty hone - a marketing gimmick.  I could very well be wrong, though!

Packaged weight will be around 375gms