Thread: Buying used hone? Good or bad idea

I found a guy selling some used Norton stones. I haven't seen their condition but I am trying to decide if this is a good idea. Could they contain bacteria, mold etc. if treated improperly? This set contains a Norton 220/1000, 4000/8000, Chinese Guangxi 12,000 grit waterstone, Norton lapping plate and a Nagura stone, all for $50.

Any thoughts?

For that price is a bargain! Of course, you should check the conditions of the hones and see how they have been used in the past and how they have been kept.
A good lap will fix an improper surface and this would also remove any alien stuff. As for bacteria, I guess it should be a real concern only in case the hones have been constantly kept in water, thus favoring the development of mold and mucilage which could be a possible environment for bacteria and fungus.

Sounds too good to be true, but maybe not, I imagine you could soak them in Milton, which is a sterilizing solution used on babies bottles etc, but I don't know if it will affect the hones.
Are they full size, I heard whipped dog was selling 1/4 size hones for people on a budget.

As long as they aren't worn out and haven't been exposed to anything that would soften the binder it's fine.
Any mold, fungus, or bacteria can be killed with a short soak in bleach solution.
If using a high concentration of bleach, rinse the stones well in clean water and then soak in clean water, changing it a couple of times.
I once got a little crazy with the bleach solution on my Nortons and the bleach solution seems to cause water spots to develop more rapidly on the blades.

SOunds too good to be true. Even if they have wear, Ive hear Lynn say he hones about 2-3000 blades on his nortons. Chipped or broken obviously no, but even if they need a good lapping, sounds like a deal. If the stones dry out completely for a few days, I dont think anything will survive. The chinese 12k is indestructible.

Originally Posted by HNSB

bleach solution seems to cause water spots to develop more rapidly on the blades.

Bleach is a strong oxidizer and will even rust stainless.

You have to take a look at them and decide based on wear and overall appearance. It sounds like a heck of a deal.

If there still lots of stone left to them.
That's a deal I would take any day of the week.
I personally would just list the Chinese one for resell.
being that I already have lots of finishing stones.

I forgot to say what I should have said to start with.
I bought maybe less then 10 stones and hones new.
I don't ever think it's a bad idea if your going to use them on stuff.