Thread: A Little Help on this Hone/Stone Please

I could use a little help on the ID of this hone. It is a natural stone, a little more yellow/tan than the photos. 6 1/2 by 2 by 7/8ths thick. The back shows how caked it was with swarf and dried oil and some of the dark spots or shadows on the top and sides may be trapped grit. This is a really hard stone, took me hours to lap the top and sides, and I got a good to decent shave off it. Lapping it with a diamond plate leaves a creamy white paste. It came in a non-descriptive wood box. The close up photos shows that the stone has a high crystalline structure. Any help would be appreciated. Alx

I'm thinking it is a Wash*ta or soft Arkansas stone. I've one very similar, a vintage Norton boxed & labeled "Lily White Wash*ta".

Cheers.

I agree Stoned here. It looks to be like an Arkansas stone o some sorts. I can't be sure because the Arkansas stones have a lot of variation form black to translucent.
Lapp it and test it. I doubt its going to be a finishing stone of preference, but if it works for you, then have at it!

Yeah. I'd think Washita / soft Arkansas. Ironic name. They are hard to lap.

THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH. I believe now that it is an Arkansas. I have a couple other Arkansas that are a clearer texture, and now I have one with a spotted complexion. Best regards, Alx