Thread: Grandads Hone

200mm x 50mm 25mm
8 x 2 x 1

hmmm, that doesn't bode well... almost every 8x2 hone I've seen on ebay or flea markets is as you first guessed, a random oil stone of a low grit that isn't suitable for razors. Though there are always exceptions to any rule. I wouldn't run any usable razors over that thing in the meantime.

Yes, I tend to agree. Likely for knives/chisels, esp as found in an old toolbox.

8" x 2" x 1" doesn't really mean much. Many good razor stones were historically available in that size. Silkstones, Arkansas stones, Scotch hones etc. The photos don't look like a SiC stone to me.

Originally Posted by eKretz

8" x 2" x 1" doesn't really mean much. Many good razor stones were historically available in that size. Silkstones, Arkansas stones, Scotch hones etc. The photos don't look like a SiC stone to me.

SIC ? Thanks

Silicon Carbide - most dime-a-dozen old stones that aren't good for much but utility or early stage knife or chisel sharpening are made of silicon carbide (I.E. Crystolon) or aluminum oxide (I.E. India).

If that was a water formed slurry, you have a natural. Source unknown. Lap it and, as mentioned above, check its scratch pattern against a known grit synthetic hone.
~Richard

Originally Posted by Geezer

If that was a water formed slurry, you have a natural. Source unknown. Lap it and, as mentioned above, check its scratch pattern against a known grit synthetic hone.
~Richard

Thank you for the response, and yes that was just water formed slurry. A few other things that I have noticed is that it remains very cold in comparison to an oil stone, a little like marble. It also has musty smell but guess thats just age and being stored away for years. I have not yet purchased a set of hones as still not experienced to hone a razor, but do have a knife hone (1000/6000 shun wet stone) and will check the scratch pattern with this. Also purchased a di lap plate to level it off this weekend. Overall goal is to learn!! to restore and most importantly hone my own straight razors.

Tony

Many slate and other stones do have an earthy smell and some have plant matter embedded in them. Enjoy the journey!
~Richard

Originally Posted by MrT1904

Thank you for the response, and yes that was just water formed slurry. A few other things that I have noticed is that it remains very cold in comparison to an oil stone, a little like marble. It also has musty smell but guess thats just age and being stored away for years. I have not yet purchased a set of hones as still not experienced to hone a razor, but do have a knife hone (1000/6000 shun wet stone) and will check the scratch pattern with this. Also purchased a di lap plate to level it off this weekend. Overall goal is to learn!! to restore and most importantly hone my own straight razors.
Tony

My slate hones have kind of a shiny look when water is put on them that oil stones don't have. After I lapped my Slates on my Norton Lapping stone I lapped one of them on my 1K King hone. That Indiana slate is a good finisher. Not real fast but almost as smooth as my Coti. I have a 5/8" Clauss round point that didn't feel real good after my 16K Shapton so I took it to the Slate hone & it smoothed right up with only a few strokes. Not quite as sharp but felt much better on my face. I used Smith's Honing Solution with just a little Ballistol on the slate & it worked just fine.

Slawmeister