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.