Thread: Chapel Hill N.C. ?

Has anyone tried a topo map? Quarries are often marked.

Originally Posted by bluesman7

Has anyone tried a topo map? Quarries are often marked.

That's a thought, but I suspect this 'quarry' hasn't been active as a whetstone quarry since the 1800s early 1900s so maybe it would not be marked.

I also recall some article from the interweb saying that one source of novaculite in NC was on a power line right of way, but I do not have a source for that. The obvious advantage is that the right of way may be accessible, both physically and legally (without permission).

Cheers, Steve

I do have a house location from the article even though the street name has changed when I google mapped it, I got a private street with the name of the fellow from the article. Big farm. So if I ever get over that way again (I used to live there) I may just drive up to the house and tell them the story and ask. Sometimes you make a new friend that way. Other times you may get a shotgun pointed at ya. Been lucky so far no shotgun yet. They may even know the location and allow you to take a stone or two. My guess is it would be a lot of hiking and looking. Not sure I would be able to tell what I was looking at in the raw form though.

Originally Posted by rideon66

I do have a house location from the article even though the street name has changed when I google mapped it, I got a private street with the name of the fellow from the article. Big farm. So if I ever get over that way again (I used to live there) I may just drive up to the house and tell them the story and ask. Sometimes you make a new friend that way. Other times you may get a shotgun pointed at ya. Been lucky so far no shotgun yet. They may even know the location and allow you to take a stone or two. My guess is it would be a lot of hiking and looking. Not sure I would be able to tell what I was looking at in the raw form though.

Ha! If you're asking about whetstones I think you're unlikely to get a shotgun pointed at you if your appearance is normal! They may well know some of the history of their property.

'June, it's another razor hone hunter'.

But you raise an excellent point, finding the best quality razor stones is usually not a matter if walking up to a formation and picking one up.

Cheers, Steve

Originally Posted by Steve56

Ha! If you're asking about whetstones I think you're unlikely to get a shotgun pointed at you if your appearance is normal! They may well know some of the history of their property.

'June, it's another razor hone hunter'.

But you raise an excellent point, finding the best quality razor stones is usually not a matter if walking up to a formation and picking one up.

Cheers, Steve

Funny you should mention if your appearance is normal. I would say it is, but according to others I have been told I can look like a scary individual. Shaved head and a goatee 6' 215lbs. with tattoos. Although if it is chilly they won't know about the tattoos. Once I start talking though people quickly realize I am not a bad guy.

Depending on the type of quarry and size, if it has been abandoned since the 1800s or early 1900s it's apt to be overgrown and not even recognizable. it's also possible it's been built over or comes with plenty of water. Also the rock faces will be weathered so you have to do some excavating. Also makes sure it's not on private land. Some folks don't like trespassers.