Thread: Natural Stones

Originally Posted by WW243

Arkansas Hone

Nope - it looks like it might be but it is really a microcrystalline form of a sedimentary rock formed from volcanic, etc, ashes.

Diamond is really a metamorphic rock. It is the same stuff as soft graphite and carbon, but heat and pressure have transformed it into what is termed an allotrope of carbon - same stuff, different characteristics. Garnets are a form of metamorphic rock, but often found within igneous deposits...

Cat Eye is a reflective glass sphere found in roads. It is not a natural...
Steeleye (Span) is an old english folk/rock group from the late 1960s..,
Clayeye is one of a pair found in dolls and assorted puppets...

Mr. Miller has a reputation of knowing his hones very well, we can now see that he also know geology. I am impressed.

Originally Posted by RezDog

Mr. Miller has a reputation of knowing his hones very well, we can now see that he also know geology. I am impressed.

+1
Just reading his replies provides me more information than a Wiki.

Not sure Neil, pumice or granite?

When we speak of Naturals, it is usually as a finisher. A proper Natural can finish an 8 or 12K edge and make it more comfortable on the skin. Many have their favorites and will defend them to the death.

But, really you can achieve as good and edge or almost … with good Chrome Oxide and other sprays/ pastes and proper stropping on leather. Synthetics are so uniform and ridged they can leave a fine serrated edge that can abrade skin as well as cut whiskers, what some describe as “Harsh”. The random grit of Naturals or the friability of the grit can polish the edge, smoothing serrations resulting in a more comfortable shave.

Naturals can vary wildly in performance, Synthetics are consistent and deliver consistent results, depending on the driver. Your Norton 1k will be just like my Norton 1k.

As said learn to shave and maintain a razor first. When ready, buy a set of Synthetic stones and learn them. You want to remove as many variables as possible. The largest variable is you, the driver and your ability to learn and apply what you have learned into practice.

Synthetics will give you a base line from which to judge based on your equipment, skill, your face and beard type. Then if you feel the need, test-drive Natural edges and or Natural stones knowing that all naturals are different, many from one side to the other. Doing so will introduce many variables, enough to cause one to give up, especially if you do not understand what you are looking at and experiencing.

The best advice I can give you is read as much as you can here and other sites… and find a local mentor to speed up your learning curve and keep you from making needless purchases.

Ratho Hone

Thank you! How do I find someone to learn from? I'm the only person I know of in my area interested in straight shaving.

Jt, im in central kentucky, maybe you could try and make it up here for our next meeting