Thread: Stone Coarseness?

I have acquired 3 old stone recently and was hoping to glean some information about then from this treasure trove of a forum. Two I inherited from my father. He used them occasionally in his wood shop some 30 years ago. He advised me to keep both stored in water and so i have been. The last I picked up at an antique store. Are these anything special? Worthless? Should they be used/maintained/stored in any special fashion?

All i know about these blades is below if anyone can add something, thank you.

Below is the larger of the two and I think I have its basics worked out. Marked King then some characters then #800. I assume thats 800 grit? k? Following based on almost no experience with stones......It feels fairly soft when I use it. Builds up just a tiny slurry slowly.


Next is smaller and much thinner. I would expect it to be a much finer stone. No experience....feels very very soft and seems to build a slurry fast.


Last i picked up at an antique store. I store dry. Very hard. Very smooth. No slurry. I've done some research but no info on coarseness. Heard some people say its a good finishing stone.
Reads : Emerald Razor Hone;... Pike Manufacturing Co;... Pike NH USA...


I have managed to put edges on razors and shave with them. The result was not nearly as good as my pro honed but not painful either. Last attempt i went in the order posted. I can get a good shot of my edges.

Wondering if I can infer a coarseness of a stone based on its scratch pattern?

One of my first real honing attempts. Before: no bevel/minor pitting/rust/staining...not sharp
After honing below



Still a couple stones and a lot of experience away from how my pro edge looks but it cut hairs off my face.