Thanks for the note there Willie, all these years and I never knew i was spelling it wrong.   Quick question though, what is the difference (if there is one) between a whet stone, and then a razor hone, if there is one?

Hey Kit,

I'm pretty sure they call 'em "whet" stones because that is a verb that means to sharpen, as in whet your appetite etc etc.

 

Best I can tell you is that a razor hone is pretty much a polishing stone. They don't remove a lot of metal. Straight razors were pretty well treasured in the old days and about all they cut was beards. The edge would get rolled a bit or oxidized and gentle use of a razor hone and a strop would get them back to where they didn't pull whiskers.

 

Razor hones work well for finishing a knife edge. Some of the old stones aren't too great for knives as even though were slick they aren't too tough. The red colored ones come to mind. It is easy to dish the face on them with a knife if you apply very much pressure to the blade and stone. I've got one that I think is an "arkansas" stone. It's almost as smooth as glass to the touch. It will removes steel as a knife blade will leave a track on it.

 

Next time you get a chance, look at an old straight razor. They have very pronounced hollow between the spine and the edge. It's my understanding that the razor was laid flat on the stone with the spine and the edge touching the stone. In this manner it was easier to keep a consistent edge. I've never messed with sharpening a razor and am only relating what I've heard.

 

Take care Amigo,

Willie

Kit Adams said:

Thanks for the note there Willie, all these years and I never knew i was spelling it wrong.   Quick question though, what is the difference (if there is one) between a whet stone, and then a razor hone, if there is one?

Good comparision and explaination Willie