The Gammanite XX Barber Hone
After much (read: seemingly endless) studying, reading and testing - I have finally managed to produce two working prototypes of my own Barber Hone; the Gammanite XX.
I will update this page after I complete more testing and I have conclusive data to share. Right now – I can say that these hones have put a high mirror polish on a razor’s bevel, there is a scratch pattern but it is extremely fine.
This next photo shows the next revision of the Gammanite XX. I changed the dye-color so I can tell the stones apart easily. The following pic is a close-up of this version that shows some swirling, which I think is pretty cool. A lot of of the old barber hones show similar patterning. The dots in the pic are dots of light being reflected from the abrasive particles.
Family Photo – group portrait with new mold.
The current Gammanite XX family; revisions 0-3 and the DT (drop test) stone. The DT survived 6 waist high falls onto concrete. It’s a little chewed up but I could lap all or most of that out if I needed too. The hone to its left is the newest one; it came out of the Altoids-tin mold a few moments ago.
My friend Dewey made the new mold in the foreground for me; it’s going to simplify my process a lot. Once I get the mix down I can start using it. Right now I’m making smaller hones to save on materials. I may take a shot at making a hone with it tomorrow though.
Rev 4 and 4A
This mix has too many bubbles to deal with, plus the ingredients do not seem to mix 100%. The texture of the binder is good – maybe a bit on the soft side. The abrasive count is good, and the Rev A hone, on the right, put a sterling edge on the reed knife in the background.
Rev 5 - Baking in the new oven in a new mold.
12/20/2014 - Rev 195 - just out of the mold This is the best version yet. I’m please with this new direction and its results.
