Honing in the 1800s

Ever wonder what it was like to hone a razor in the 1800s?
Website - www.tomonagura.com
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[@randyc6912]

Interesting video about the spermaceti oil in honing. I shoot muzzleloaders and hone my own straights (although a novice), and also am into sharps rifles that use paperpatch bullets. A few things I have learned about the usage of sperm oil is that in an 1875 Remington catalog they tell you how to load rounds and specify using sperm oil on the paper patching for the bullets. Sperm oil was the main oil use in automatic transmissions until the outlawing of whale hunting and outlawing sperm oil sales in the 70's. Auto transmissions had a very high failure rate because the replacement oils weren't as good as sperm oil. Then someone found a natural equivalent with basically the same viscosity, high temp stability and lubrication properties. That oil is jojoba oil, once he came up with his formula and I believe mobile bought the rights transmission failures almost went away. I have a small bottle of phleuger reel oil that I use and it is very slick and feels totally different than what you'd think oil should feel like. I haven't seen anything about the use of sperm oil in honing back in the 1800 as most of what I have found just states barbers to use lather. My hypothesis is that since sperm oil was the liquid gold of its time way before crude oil was discovered that anyone needing an oil for lubricant was more than likely going to use sperm oil. It was available everywhere and was used in just about everything imaginable. It would be interesting to see if jojoba has the same honing qualities as sperm oil.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Hi, If you scroll through the comments you'll find at least one earlier mention of this...thing is - Jojoba gets gummy, and turns rancid. It's very difficult to clear out of a stone too. Jojoba, as-is, doesn't really behave the same as sperm oil in this useage. Supposedly, the chemical composition is similar but when used side by side for honing they are wildly different. Modern ATF uses "derivatives" of Jojoba and Rapeseed oil mixed with other chemicals to create friction modifiers. I think the whale oil used in the older ATF fluid (Dexron B) was modified also - so it wasn't the same as Sperm Oil for lubricating a sewing machine or watches, or candles. Through the mid 1700s and continuing throughout the 1800s, into the early 1900s - Sperm Oil was a sharpening medium of choice. Pike and Norton labels on their Arkansas stones, 1800s into the 1930s-1940s, were printed with instructions to use sperm oil. One of the most famous Barber Manuals, by LeBlanc - 1895, mentions Sperm Oil for honing also. There are mentions of sperm oil being used for sharpening back in the late 1700s too.

[@ultraman1red]

Cool vid.

[@Bill-mw7sh]

Jesus bro. Good God! This was so frigging awesome! Incredible. Maybe a stupid question but what about just finishing on a piece of glass with maybe some kind of oil or lubricant? Lately I been wanting to try anything. Awesome history lesson man. Cheers

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Glass has no abrasive content, so it's not useful for sharpening. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@parkersouthgate2091]

That trans ark is gorgeous

[@herbertgearing1702]

Peabody and Sherman from Rocky and bull Winkle

[@ahmed007Jaber]

love the vlog mate. good job. I like it

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Thank you for the compliment, and watching and commenting too Ahmad!

[@grumpygus81]

That was fantastic! The history involved with straight shaving is pretty much what sucked me into it years ago so this video was right up my alley. Seriously cool experience for you to have and even cooler that you have the means to share it on here. Killer video!

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Thank you Gus!

[@vintagelife5195]

Oh man! This was right up my alley. Thanks for making this video. I like taking the time to recreate these lost actions. Its surprising what I learn from doing that.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

It's great to hear you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@christophergatley7875]

This is the coolest video of yours that I've seen. Such interesting information and imagery.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Really good to know you found it to be interesting and informative too! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@f00by]

Amazing history lesson! Thanks so much Keith. Please make this a series!

[@KeithVJohnson1]

I have considered that but I don't have any ideas at the moment. I appreciate the support and thoughts a lot, and I'll keep thinking about it. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@Bill-mw7sh]

Definitely second that

[@flipsfan78]

By far, my favorite KZbin video of yours yet. It speaks to me. Btw, I discovered the other week, that we have a mutual acquaintance. I have (at least!) one question I'd like to ask you soon. No rush either. Cheers, Adamo Agnello

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Glad you like this one, it was fun to make! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@herbertgearing1702]

This was one of my favorite videos ever. I've been looking for some of this information for years. I've been collecting old washitas and arks a long time now. I really like my Lilly white pikes and a few that are unlabeled but very fast cutting less dense but definitely old school washitas. I've puzzled over the stains which are apparently whale oil for a while and why they wouldn't come out. Thank you

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Thank you for watching and commenting, happy honing!

[@remlok2655]

Really enjoyed that Keith, thanks.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

You're welcome ! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@juliusu6615]

Such a great information here. Thanks man!

[@KeithVJohnson1]

You're welcome, and thank you for watching and commenting Julius!

[@COMB0RICO]

Enjoyed it very much. Thanks from Texas.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Awesome! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@e.c.knivesandrazors2840]

I love watching/listening to this when I'm putting serious laps on the surgical black translucent arkansas stone I recently obtained. Does stiction give you any tell on how your edge is progressing or do you apply lubricant like sperm oil or glycerin to avoid it all together?

[@KeithVJohnson1]

I use a honing medium on all stones, choice of stone defines choice of medium.

[@knightingalesaid]

Very interesting video. I was wondering how they sharpen razors with a lot less stones than we have today.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

For sure - I have always imagined what it would be like to shave with an edge from back in those days.....Best I can do it try and replicate one using the same tools.

[@Bearcwy]

I loved this video! It seriously gave a great visual of what it must have been like for a barber back then to hone his razors. Thank you so much in giving us a glimpse of what it could have been like back in the 1800's to hone razors!

[@KeithVJohnson1]

You are welcome and thank you for watching/commenting!

[@CECS1]

Going into the 'lamp' portion, a great sharpener can produce edges without watching their work. You ALWAYS have said "feel thing" with edge making. It's truly a feel and the feel of the result.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Tacticle feedback is for sure the main 'tell'. But it is not the only tell and it is always supported by audible and visual feedbacks. Plus, simple things like knowing where the stone starts and ends, or where my pencil got to is good to know right off the bat. Seriously important, being able to see and evaluate undercut is uber critical. So being able to see clearly is actually pretty important.

[@CECS1]

@@KeithVJohnson1 lots of truth in that, I must agree

[@richterknives]

I often think about how people sharpened back in the day. My mind is a magnet to things like this. I appreciate the video. Unbelievably entertaining to me.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Thank you for watching and commenting Michael - it's always good to hear when someone is dialed in to the subject. Happy Honing!

[@SaltySeaDaddy]

This is gold. Know exactly what you mean. Honing is a time travel effect. And you illustrated it perfectly. Greatly appreciated. Got a few oil lamps, stones and blades. Set for success.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Happy Honing!

[@brenttjones9819]

Hey Keith , I love and appreciate all of your videos. Just wanted to revisit this comment thread after visiting my dads place to do some wood work. He has a bunch of old tools which belonged to my grandfather’s. including an old norton combination stone. It resembles one one I picked up in new old stock condition. India and washita 1 I believe. However it’s loaded with oil and swarfe. I used it to sharpen an old chisel, and I noticed it seemed to cut finer than the one I owned, or at least felt that way. And it got me to thinking, perhaps there may have been a ‘breaking in’ period for these stones. It feels like a term of the times, and lapping with diamond plates and perfectly flat lapping plates were probably not feasible. Maybe even the old, worn, tool grade hones stepped up to well worn finishing hones in some cases. I guess it depends on the need or use some what

[@KeithVJohnson1]

The practice of flattening whetstones has been around for a very long time. Loose grit, using other stones, sandpaper, lapping plates, etc - all that and more were accessed to resurface and flatten. Arkansas stones do break in but coarse washita do not morph into finishers. The Geological studies in the 1800s classed Arks as coarse med and fine (Washita, Soft, Hard). Wearing the stones in helped even out cutting, and allowed finer results, but not by leaps and bounds. In use, the wearing-in and oil saturation mostly allows more versatility, via pressure regulation. At some point the stone becomes too clogged to be of much use though. I remember the Washita/India stone, they still make a Soft Ark/India combo I think.

[@PotatoCheese]

Awesome video, Keith. Thanks for taking us back in time for this one. A lot of information packed here, and definitely a luxury seeing the whale oil in action. Would definitely love seeing more content like this. Cheers.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Thank you for watching and the kind words too!

[@Jef]

Thank you for the history. Loved the video. I've often wondered what they used in the 1700's. Arks weren't really sold as you said, till the 1800's. I would imagine coticules and the like. What about just ordinary cutlery? Did they just grab a river rock, shale, or sandstone, and go at it?

[@KeithVJohnson1]

In 1805, Lewis and Clark noted a petrified log that could be a source for whetstones.The first recorded bulks sale of novaculite is from 1822. In the same year, Magog stone production was high - they were sandstones from the Vermont/Canadian border. There were other stones quarried in Indiana, and New York - one called a Labrador stone. I don't think those stones were recently found in the 1820s, so I believe they were known for a long time and probably sold throughout the 1700s. But I'd bet there were a lot of 'found stones' being used to sharpen everything and anything with an edge.

[@nickfanzo]

I always go back and watch these over and over again. I don’t hone as much as I used to, just strop and shave every night. If I need to hone, I will, but I don’t do it all the time like I used to. So glad I stopped posting on forums, I feel like I am more at one with my razor, the way I like it, more than worrying about what’s “good” or “bad” when it comes to my edges. I do have a coticule that’s huge and is etched 1886 on the back of the bbw with some guy’s name. If real, it’s cool. Keep them coming!

[@KeithVJohnson1]

That Coti sounds cool. I feel the same about honing and forums; I don’t spend much time on forums anymore. There will definitely be more vids coming! Thank you for watching!

[@niftytubeman]

Try a bit of Neatsfoot oil compare with what you have that we cannot get. Old lamp oil was whale oil. But even tallow can be rendered to generate an oil. It might go rancid but the winter oil trick and Neatsfoot oil might be a winter experiment. I have always felt that a clogged oil stone would hone vastly finer than the grit. The local hardware store had a bench stone well saturated but it took my scout pocket knife to a quick edge.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Just about any lubricant can be used as a honing medium, but not every honing medium has a good 'feel' or action in/on the stone. So, experimenting should be done prudently. I've used 100% neetsfoot on stones years ago because it was what was handy in the garage. I don't find its lubricity to be to my liking, it tends to clog easy, will go rancid over time, doesn't flush easily, gets gummy, etc. People tried to sub Jojoba oil for whale oils but they turned out to get gummy and problematic also. An early variant of Dexron ATF is a plausible sub, but only the first permutation without red dye - it will have whale oil in it actually. Most people are happy with commercial lubes though.

[@niftytubeman]

@@KeithVJohnson1 Thanks the bit about ATF and other special lubricants. That is obscure knowledge and more complicated than the red dye. Thanks again Sperm oil, a special kind of oil obtained from the head cavities of sperm whales, differs chemically from ordinary whale oil: it is composed mostly of liquid wax. Its properties and applications differ from those of regular whale oil, and it sells for a higher price.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

@@niftytubeman Yep, sperm oil was special, technically a wax; but now we're into esters and triglycerides and nowhere near honing. The stuff was used for/in transmission fluid early on. I often use the terms sperm/whale oil interchangeably because explaining the difference all the time becomes bothersome. There were grades of sperm oil also, so it gets pretty complex. Early Type A fluid, transmission fluids made before then, and Dexron first version all had sperm/whale oil components. and If someone wanted to experiiment with what is 'no longer available' that would be a logical route to follow.

[@markdudley3831]

Brilliant channel Keith . Love your in depth description about the stones and how they perform... but those Penguins scare the shit out of me ! Cheers from new zealand

[@KeithVJohnson1]

🐧🐧🐧

[@scottstewart6353]

awesome post. many thanks

[@KeithVJohnson1]

I appreciate your comment very much Scott, thank you for watching!

[@e.c.knivesandrazors2840]

Have you ever given jojoba oil a shot to see how it compares to sperm oil? It's supposed to be the closest thing available but I don't think they had razors in mind.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Yes, long ago.... an old recipe for a rifle bore cleaner calls for sperm oil and the modern substitute for it is Dexron ATF; when I researched the chemistry further I found that Jojoba was in the ATF recipe as a sub for sperm oil - sorta. That cleaning mixture worked pretty well, but for honing, Jojoba didn't pan out, it gets tacky/gummy and goes rancid. I know a few guys that had to soak their stones in solvents to clear hardened Jojoba. 1950s Dexron ATF type A Suffix A has sperm oil in it and it works for honing without issues. Type B has sperm oil but also has red dye, which will color stones. I can sorta feel the difference in honing when using that old ATF, presumably because of the sperm oil, but it's not worth the effort, cost, etc.

[@lawv.8424]

Great vid, not sure how this one got by me.. Well now I have officially seen ALL your vids, and boy would those barbers love having a Tomo by Tomo with a nakayama.. George Chase was the man!!.. You Gotta do another one of these for sure..💪👍

[@KeithVJohnson1]

George Chase was not too well documented though. Which I find to be odd. But, at any rate - thank you for watching and commenting! If I can come up with a way to do another one like this, I surely will! Happy Honing!

[@drewmello6462]

After using a DE for 4 years, I just got into straights (crappy gold dollar 208 and 2 Shapton stones) Can't wait to upgrade!! Came across your vids and I love your no bullsh*t approach. I've learned a lot past 3 weeks from your vids but have many more to watch and soooo much more to learn. Just wanted to say thank you. Also, are you from NY or RI? You're accent sounds like mine (RI), but I'm terrible at telling the difference b/w them!! Jw. Anyway thanks for your vids man.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Thank you for watching and commenting - Brooklyn NY here.

[@drewmello6462]

@@KeithVJohnson1 I watched a video last night where you say you're in NY and immediately felt stupid! Thanks for the reply man. Be well.

[@jamesmihalcik1310]

WOW!!! Thanks for diving in that rabbit hole. A true experience and awesome commentary. I have some beaver tails in the freezer (licensed:) to see how that oil compares from the time of the early trappers. Have you tried Beaver tail oil yet ? should be similar to winter oil ? Thanks, Jim M. Pennsylvania.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

You're welcome and thank you for watching and commenting. I have not tried Beaver Tail oil, but I have considered Blackfish oil if it could be harvested responsibly and sourced legally.

[@blade4vor905]

Great video, Keith! I really enjoyed it. I get what you mean by the history and stories that vintage things could tell. It's one of the reasons I enjoy vintage razors so much.(my wife wants to know why I need "all those antique razors?" lol) Anyway, thanks for the journey! Cheers! -Rob

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Cool comment, thank you for watching and sharing!

[@shanegray1846]

you almost lost me when you pulled out the oil lamp, I was like is this guy serious? am I on the right channel? but now i have to say thank you for a really informative practical historical sharpening lesson. wow! more evidence that technique and resourcefulness are the most critical factors in trying to perfect an edge.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

You're welcome, and thank you for watching, and commenting!

[@Master...deBater]

Out here in Montana I seem to still be honing under those lighting conditions!!! My house was built in 1910 and the living room was never furnished with a ceiling light fixture...so we light the room with plugin lamps. I love the "mood" it creates...but for honing razors it leaves much to be desired!!!

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Wow, your house sounds cool!

[@nickfanzo]

Mine was like that too before I moved, I used to hone in a window during the day, or outside near my woods during the day.

[@vincentrubino8152]

Keith,...very, very cool video. I really enjoyed your presentation on the use of Arks for honing razors and the history lesson. Using Sperm whale oil and the oil lamp was very cool! How do you clean your Arkansas stones after a honing session?

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Thank you! I just wash them off, hot water & soap.

[@duster413]

That was GREAT! I often think along the same lines regarding all sorts of things. I thought I was the only crazy one.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Great minds think alike Bill!

[@toddmoore9841]

Hi Keith, Yeah it was Mr. Peabody and his boy, Sherman. They would jump into the Way-back machine and do history lessons, usually where they would go back in time and help out a historical figure. It was part of The Rocky and Bulwinkle show. You mentioned sperm oil being a wax, then it occured to me that Jojoba oil is a wax. There is mention on the internet about using jojoba as a sperm oil substitute for sewing machines as well. Have you run accross any relable sources or do you have any experience related to this substitution?

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Thought it was Bullwinkle-related. Ty. Jojoba was a replacement for Whale oil in some applications, ATF for example. In my experience, as much as it said to be similar to whale oil, it is also not so similar. Maybe the automotive industry jazzes it up somehow. But Jojoba does gunk up, it will go rancid, etc. Personally, I was't impressed with the stuff. I know someone that messed up a stone or two with the stuff. It was fixable, soaking in solvents removed the build up.

[@sheshaveswithjill4838]

Very interesting history.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@Master...deBater]

Bullwinkle!!!

[@JDStone20]

How does the Sperm Whale Oil compare to Automatic Transmission Fluid?

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Modern ATF has that typical modern oily/fake feel, it's nothing like the sperm oil. Plus it's dyed, which is annoying. Even Dexron B ATF, which wasn't dyed, but actually had sperm oil in it, is totally different.

[@JDStone20]

@@KeithVJohnson1 Yes, I have had to clean that dyed stuff out of a few vintage stones I acquired, not fun

[@michaelshults7675]

Now a good edge can be bought out of a bottle - (synthetic Stone finisher.) Synthetic stones make it easier for us during the bevel setting and mid honing, but I love the way a natural Stone finishes/ shaves - the inprint it leaves on the edge is very disireable as far a being super smooth and at the same time can be hyper/very sharp. probably a new person learning to shave with a straight could not tell the difference, between a synthesic and a natural, because technique plays a big part. Some say it's hard to tell a difference in a synthetic and a natural finished edge - I must say I (now) have to disagree. Nice stones - the Rosey red Pike washita stones are very nice, and rare these days.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Rosy Reds were good but coarser. Fewer were quarried, making them harder to find and pricier. Bedt bang for the buck is a #1.

[@nickfanzo]

Naturals are certainly more fun than synthetic stones!

[@johnnyboydianno]

Wow Keith you out did yourself this time so amazing best vid I've ever seen dam that looks comfy honing like that great job on the time travel gratz

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Hey Johnny - good to see you in the comments, thank you for the kind words!

[@Steve_Just_Steve]

That must be some Yankee way of saying Washita cause that's definitely not the way we say it down here. We say Wash-a-taw not Wa-shi-ta. LOL Thanks for the vid!

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Ya’ll seriously expected us to figure out how to say Ouachita on our own? Lol - even people in Arkansas mispronounce it! My fave flubs are Ooh-ahh-chit-ahh or oh-sheet-ah. Thanks for watching Steve!

[@knifetothebass1642]

I think I appreciate the times we live in now.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

For sure - thank you for watching!

[@SaltySeaDaddy]

Appreciating the past gives us a reference on why we appreciate the present.

[@Vincent-S]

I know this video isn't really about the sperm whale oil, but I wonder if you've tried out Jojoba oil, since apparently it's a workable replacement after a casual google search for substitutes. I don't plan on using it and am happy with whatever lightweight and refined mineral oil that happens to find itself in my shopping cart or hand, but still, the thought remains.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Hello, and thank you for watching and commenting. Yes, I have used Jojoba - I've a fair bit of long-term testing with it actually. It's not a workable replacement for this specific usage. Jojoba does go rancid, it does get gummy, and in general it just makes life a living hell when it degrades to that degree. Getting it off of a blade can be quite a chore, getting it out of a clogged Arkansas stone would be a nightmare.

[@Vincent-S]

@@KeithVJohnson1 Ha, that's one curiosity satisfied! Thanks for the answer!

[@Greyswyndir]

Very fascinating and interesting video Keith. Different grades of sperm whale oil based on whether or not it freezes, hardcore man.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Cool, thank you for watching and commenting !

[@danhip2442]

I have found that it is fairly easy to buy sperm oil nowadays in countries where whale fishing is still active.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Importing Sperm Oil to the USA would be considered a major crime and certainly not worth the risk; 1 year imprisonment and a $10k fine. I've read about $100k fines being possible in some cases. And yeah, people do get caught trafficking the stuff from time to time. My pov is that it's not a good thing to be involved with - morally or legally.

[@johnbamford9946]

Loved that video Keith, not too many people could just bring out a bottle of Sperm Whale oil !! Speaking of strange oils someone told me that the first aeroplanes used castor oil as it worked better in the cold. Don't know if that is true and maybe it wouldn't be good for honing on, just funny what ideas come into your head at times ?

[@KeithVJohnson1]

I’ve honed on castor oil, it wasn’t bad or special, it did get gummy though. I think that is common with all veggie oils.

[@temhawpin]

Jojoba Oil might be a modern alternative to Sperm Oil since it also is made of wax esters and not glycerides.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Doesn’t work too well as a replacement for honing oil. It dries and gunks up stones, goes rancid, doesn’t really feel great under the blade, has a different king of viscosity and friction coefficient.

[@temhawpin]

@@KeithVJohnson1 I just watched this video again and I have to say that although I enjoy all your content this is my favorite video of yours. I ended up landing a nice old washita a few months ago and I already owned a hard ark. I honed up a razor just going from the washita to the hard ark. I have been trying to move away from petroleum based oils and ended up using some neatsfoot oil cut with a little turps. The blade could shave but it wasn't anything that people would accept today, even after a very vigorous stropping. I was thinking about pastes back then, I came across some information about rubbing lead into the linen side of a strop, the thin layer of lead on the strop turns into a white oxide which could possibly polish up the bevel. Later in the 19th century they even sold specially manufactured strop conditioners consisting of a strip of lead or linotype held in a handle to rub into the linen. I've never seen an old strop with any sign of cromox on it but then again I haven't come across too many old strops in the antique stores round here. A real thought provoking video, oh to be a fly on the wall of a barbershop in 19th century America.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

@@temhawpin Thank you for another thoughtful comment! Happy Honing!

[@cdarrinford]

LA0101 Dixie Gun Works Synthetic Sperm Whale Oil It would be worth a try.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Muzzleloader friends of mine were using it 10-12 years ago, pretty sure it's Jojoba oil.

[@dfailsthemost]

The egyptians probably cut out the middle man and shaved with the stones we use to hone.

[@dfailsthemost]

Razor stone had a different meaning.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

They had stone, bronze and copper razors that had to hurt.

[@ramonmurillo167]

Hey Keith, this is one of your best videos. Could it be that barbers "dressed" the Ark a bit rougher in one side and left the other side to polish?

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Of course that is a possibility, one I think about often actually. But, like so many other things - that practice was never noted in any barber manual or supply book. Another thing is that I have yet to find a vintage Ark that shows legit signs of significant use on both sides. I really do believe that the main thing was learning how to max the stone's capability using pressure and stroke techniques. Old Geological Studies reference barbers preferring to hone spine leading on Washita in an effort to combat toothy and chipping edges.

[@wilfriedvomacka1783]

1:28 - 1:33 BEST PART :-D