Thread: Help! Can anyone tell me about this stone?

Hi all

I have today found this stone in my dads shed and am excited and curious about it. My father died back in 1992 and my mother knows very little about it. I was 12 when my dad died and so didn't really get anything to remember him by. My mum thinks that it belonged to his father who died in 1963 aged 54. Any info would be appreciated, it feels like a very fine grit around the 12k mark or maybe even finer. Would it be an idea to spray it with WD40 oil after I have cleaned it?

Thanks

How about some better pics of the top of the stone, and can you make out the text on the label? Is it a Norton?

I can make out behr-manning, troy NY and what looks like the word norton then company. Fairly sure the rest says INDIA with oil stone written over it. Heres a closer look at the top

It's a Norton India oilstone.
It's not even close to 12K, tops out at 800 to 1100, there is little data on the old oilstones, but my pdf files from the company put it no higher. It feels higher grit to you because it's loaded with oil, swarf, grease & God knows what.
It's a great stone for knives, but I would not touch a razor to it.
The one you have is in great condition, only needs cleaning, use Simple Green & a nylon bristle brush. Once you clean it, you will feel the grit change.


Here is one that I own.

Its a Norton alright.

Here is another one I own, neither have ever been used; notice the difference in the color. The stones are impregnated at the factory with a lubricant, thus the grey looking "patched" complexion.

Thanks guys! The clean up will start tomorrow. From those pics I can see I'm going to be busy lol. I've also learnt that the box must have been made for the stone by my grandad as I can see it was manufactured in a cardboard one

Actually, the cleanup should take less than 5 minutes, you will not be able to remove all the lubricant, it is made that way. Just a little Simple Green or dish soap & brush
or
flush with WD-40, scrub & flush again.

She's not designed to be a Beauty Queen,
But shes a great work horse of a hone.

Hirlau, I have a "fine" India stone that I have used rather successfully for bevel sets. and the medium india are good for small chip removal. They just require a lighter touch, and the willingness to deal with oil. Any stone can be used on a razor, as long as its the right place in the progression. Well, except maybe a brick....