Maybe out of scope of forum, but here goes....

[Jimfishesvt]

I was looking up hones the other day and because of budget reasons was wondering if this was a logical alternative.. Stumbled across a site in Wales,UK. Selling slate honing stones, read through some of the threads here where they are mentioned seems to have some members swear by them others were more mixed reviews. The question i have is this, given that once roughly 400 - 460 mya the British Isles and New England were joined before faulting and rifting separated the two.. The area of Vermont I am from is one of the few places the some of the same slate deposits as wales, age, color, composition(assume). Would clear slate from Granville, NY- Fair Haven,VT - Poultney, VT area make a servicable hone? I know this is a stretch but any comments, advise, or criticism is welcome, thanks anyone who can shed some light on this.

[Razorfeld]

I'm not rock knowledgeable but logic (to me), would say that there are enough similarities to at least conduct a test. Get a piece, contact local mentor or rock expert to see how to get a good surface and try it out on a secondary razor. If it works, buy a couple tons of it and semi-retire. A new cottage industry.

[GC7]

Interesting you say that as I spent some time in Putney, VT last spring and there were an abundance of beautiful slate stones in the creek bed near our cabin. Some were smooth as can be. I only started with straights later this past year so I wasn't thinking of hones but this did cross my mind later after we had left the area. I could tell you exactly where to look if you wanted to hunt for a good rock.

[JimmyHAD]

Seems like that would be a worthwhile project to cut and try. Assuming there is an easily found source, take it to a stone/tile mfg, if there is one in the vicintiy, and get it cut to size and flattened. See if it is any good with pocket knives or razors. I tried the 'dragon's tongue' , which IIRC is a Welsh slate, and did not care for it.

[Jimfishesvt]

Will have to try it, still have a few friends that work for Vermont structural slate, and know a few of the smaller quarry owners from years ago when i was working in the quarries in high school. Headed that way next week to visit family. There is a source of slate on the property as well. But it'll give me a chance to visit a few guys i haven't seen in years. Should be fun. Will post an update later next week.

[Utopian]

Sounds promising!

If I mail you a shovel and a hacksaw, could you send me a few dozen samples?