Thread: Lets Play Identify This Hone

I bought this hone about 37 years ago, long before I ever thought of shaving with a straight. I used it for polishing High Speed Steel cutting tools back then when I was machining metal. It is man made, 12"x2"x1", very hard, smoother that an 8k norton in feel, but looks more open grained in visual appearance. I had it all loaded up after using it for years with oil, sharpening knives;Took forever to lap out the loading with a norton lapping stone. I can shave off the edge, but my PHIG or purple Welsh stone gives better edges.

Any of you have any clue who made it or what it is made of? Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance. Todd

My knee-jerk response is that it is some sort of soft or modern-appellation hard Arkansas intended for a dedicated, elongated sharpening stone system. Not a finisher, but potentially an effective precursor used with oil.

Looks like an Arkansas stone and you say it is a very hard and it took you forever to lap. If you don't mind why do you think it is a man made stone? Thank you.

The reason I think it is man made is that it is a uniform in appearance, with no veining or other marks that would indicate it is a natural. But I could be wrong. I do remember when I got it it was almost snow white in color.

I have a Pike labeled "Kristolo" which meets those charistics. Man made and a dry hone. Do a search for the name and you may find quite a few photos.
~Richard