Howies entering the Sharpening/Honing stone and dresser business.

[Stewie 721]

Got an interesting email from Howies. Looks like they have released some stones and dressers as part of their product lineup. Their honing stones look interesting to me as someone who doesn't home sharpen, might pick up one of each to play around. Anyone used them yet?

[IPv6Freely 2096]

Saw that email too. Knowing Howies, they aren't going to bother if their product isn't great.. so I'd be interested to hear opinions.

[jimmy 194]

Saw that email too. Knowing Howies, they aren't going to bother if their product isn't great.. so I'd be interested to hear opinions.

Doesn't Howies just rebrand?

[IPv6Freely 2096]

Doesn't Howies just rebrand?

I didn't think so... if they do, I'm not sure whose products they rebrand. Their tape and laces are far nicer than any others I've used.

[Buzz_LightBeer 973]

Doesn't Howies just rebrand?

Pretty sure they buy their tape out of NY (NATCO?) and rebrand their wheels. Wax is made domestically, and tape and such always tend to be in stock and priced right (on the retailer side)

[mojo122 538]

And their laces look just like TexStyle...

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

And their laces look just like TexStyle...

Are.

I used a box of their wheels recently and their honing stones. Wheels none different than what's out there already, honing stones aren't bad. Better than what stores sell to consumers for the most part.

But as stated, they're not making any of this stuff.

[Stewie 721]

Are.

I used a box of their wheels recently and their honing stones. Wheels none different than what's out there already, honing stones aren't bad. Better than what stores sell to consumers for the most part.

But as stated, they're not making any of this stuff.

Thanks JR,

I knew they didnt make the laces for sure, the made in Canada pretty much gave it away. I had assumed they probably werent making the wheels and stones themselves as well, but highly doubt my store bought stone is made by the company its sold by either. glad to hear they are at least of some quality. Still may give the honing stones a shot, whoever they are sourcing their stuff from seems to work the best for me.

[IPv6Freely 2096]

Meh, I don't care much who actually makes the stuff.

[All Flash 49]

Howie's wax is the worst. Might as well be any old scented candle.

[the iceman 132]

Sorry to hijack the thread and go off topic, but does anyone know how Howie's pro grip tape (the non stretch one) compares to Sports Tape grip tape?

[Davetronz 109]

Howie's wax is the worst. Might as well be any old scented candle.

Can you provide any more info to support your claim? What about it is the worst?

I've had tons of requests for it and just ordered some...

[All Flash 49]

Can you provide any more info to support your claim? What about it is the worst?

I've had tons of requests for it and just ordered some...

Fair enough... Shouldn't go around throwing out dirty opinions and not have some back up.

IMHO Howie's wax is too hard and has no grip. Slick in fact. It also shreds and gets everywhere when applying it to the blade. My shop has had it for at least 4 months and though I mainly use blade tape some of my sticks are tape and wax. So I tried it and was very disappointed.

[Zjack38 46]

Fair enough... Shouldn't go around throwing out dirty opinions and not have some back up.

IMHO Howie's wax is too hard and has no grip. Slick in fact. It also shreds and gets everywhere when applying it to the blade. My shop has had it for at least 4 months and though I mainly use blade tape some of my sticks are tape and wax. So I tried it and was very disappointed.

its not sticky at all. Especially when you compare it to sex wax. However, it does work at keeping the ice off your blade.

[mojo122 538]

I find it harder than some other waxes. Smells good, although Lucky brand smells better IMO. I don't dislike it, but still rank Zogg's as my number one favorite.

[Davetronz 109]

Fair enough... Shouldn't go around throwing out dirty opinions and not have some back up.

IMHO Howie's wax is too hard and has no grip. Slick in fact. It also shreds and gets everywhere when applying it to the blade. My shop has had it for at least 4 months and though I mainly use blade tape some of my sticks are tape and wax. So I tried it and was very disappointed.

Cool, thanks for clarifying!