Thread: Rocks or hones?

I got these and both are different. One gives off a creamy looking swarf and the other grey. One has been used and is worn in the center. Both are hard and smooth. The swarf is from using a diamond 325 on them.


Mostly dry

Swarf

Wet


Any ideas?

I know nothing about such things, but would be happy to donate a razor to finding out how they hone.

Test 'em out. See what they do.

On the rare occasions when I get unknowns like those I take a pocket knife to them to start with. See what they do with that before I put a razor on them. Maybe someone familiar with the look of those will come along. Not recognizable to me though.

I took a razor to them. I used a Black Devil razor hone in between each stone comparison. It gives a very uniform start. I checked against 4k and 8k King hones and a 12K Super Naniwa.
The grey one seems to be bouncing around 8k. Cuts fast and will polish some after coming off a 8k King. The tan one seems to be a 12k polisher.
I thought maybe the colors would ring a bell with someone. The sediment layers are very uniform on the grey. Like a stack of 1/8 inch layers. The tan is 3/8 layers. I thought they were cut marks at first. I cleaned up the ends some with the 325 as you can see. I cut the bevels and flattened both stones.


I was hoping they were the mystical 60k rock
Hopefully someone will know what they are. Thanks for the suggestions all!

Well whatever they are if they are good hones that is all that matters.

I thought I remember Hindostan stones having a repeat layering. I believe the range may have extended into your area. Most were mined in Indiana. Hindostan was used for gravestones in days gone by. Google Hindostan gravestones and you'll get some photos to do a rough comparison.

Chris L

Okay, shaving a straight razor on a gravestone is too spooky for me.

Originally Posted by ChrisL

I thought I remember Hindostan stones having a repeat layering.
Chris L

Chris you nailed it. It describes what I have perfectly! I have never heard of these before. It's interesting reading the history surrounding them.
Thanks again!

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Okay, shaving a straight razor on a gravestone is too spooky for me.

Not even if you got a dead cold perfect edge? hehe