Thread: Random Ebay Finds (Brushes, leather, hones, misc.)

OK I know this thread isn't very specific, but I'd rather not flood this section with individual listings. Some of these finds represent things which I feel may be of some use/aid to people. Or simply nice items which I have no use for, but feel others might be interested in. Other objects represent things I feel unsure about; things I'd like to find more information on if possible.

Starting off though here are two lots of items I've had first-hand experience with:

Kangaroo Tail Leather this guy offers veg. tanned kangaroo tail hide for strops. Many widths and lengths available including huge sheets. Custom orders available. I bought two of these strips (80mm x 300mm) and they seem to be doing a decent job. That said I'm not an expert stropper. I'm not even a very good one! So please don't take my word/experience as a trustworthy testimonial. If you find this interesting you might also check this out as this individual sells adhesive magnets. Great for making a modular strop.

This seller is one I'm a little dubious about. As far as I know his gold monkey razors are gold dollars by another name, but there are a number of exceptionally inexpensive Chinese natural hones which are somewhat interesting. Especially the bulk lots. I'm thinking of buying one or two to make some custom pull-through knife sharpeners. Still I wonder if anyone has had any experience with these hones or ones like them.

This guy is another I have experience with. He sells brushes, stands, etc. I picked up one of his badger brushes for around $15 to use while traveling and I use it more often than a parker brush I paid four times as much for (admittedly to save wear on the pricier brush, but they both perform as well) imho I've never seen such inexpensive brushes that weren't rubbish.

This box is a very beautiful thing, and if only I had some hones that I could keep in it I'd jump on it, but I don't. Still I think it'd make a great box for anyone who has hones that would fit. Seems especially fitting for a C12k.

A muller hone I'm curious about. How would this compare to welsh slate? Is this a finishing stone, pre-finisher, etc.

Lastly I have some polishes and buffs (more buffs) that I'm curious about. These aren't really for sharpening purposes, but buffing/polishing and scratch removal. Though the 3/4 inch buffs DO make me curious. I think they might potentially make for a very portable honing method. Any thoughts?

Last entry is this a place with the Shapton pro series. I've never seen them so cheap before. So I thought it might be worth tossing it out.

Thank you sir. I have the srd kangaroo strop. Love it. I want to get some more kangaroo leather to make a belt for my sander.

I hope it works out for you

Originally Posted by dadsavage

...snip...

A muller hone I'm curious about. How would this compare to welsh slate? Is this a finishing stone, pre-finisher, etc.

The Muller hone as it is now, modern production is from 4-7K and is a pre-finisher. It is similar to a "Dragon Tongue." Being a natural hone side may be better than the other. I tried my Muller and after lapping and one trial it is back in its wrap. A 6K Chinese could be a better value if you find one with free shipping..
Vintage Müllers are a finisher in most cases..
~Richard

The Muller hone as it is now, modern production is from 4-7K and is a pre-finisher. It is similar to a "Dragon Tongue." Being a natural hone side may be better than the other. I tried my Muller and after lapping and one trial it is back in its wrap. A 6K Chinese could be a better value if you find one with free shipping..
Vintage Müllers are a finisher in most cases..
~Richard

Great info on the muller hone. Thanks a bunch. I already have a Dragon Tongue, and I think it's a pretty good one. Though I mostly use it for kitchen knives. With enough slurry it can sharpen a dull knife about as well as the 3k side of my Taidea stone, and with no slurry it polishes very nicely, better than the 8k side of my Taidea stone. So I'll stick with it. I might grab one of those Chinese hones though (I wonder if the different colored stones have different feels, despite that he claims they're the same grit) as they're rather pretty looking. Between that and my welsh slates I might have a nice progression. Though a Belgian Blue might be better. I'm hardly an expert though. Certainly the BB is prettier. If I can get one in the right size, and like the feel I might try a putting my Dragon tongue and the 3k Chinese stone together to keep in the kitchen.

Or maybe I'll just save my money for a Charnley Forest. I don't know why, but it's my dream finisher. I just have a feeling it's what I want.