Scotch Dual Hone acquired

Several weeks ago my local antique dealer told me he had obtained a hone which I might be interested in. At that time I only gave it a moment's attention as I am not into honing in any way. Anyway I have become more interested of late so I called back the other day and asked him whether he still had it. He also had a couple of razors for me but the hone was my focus and he brought it out.

A dual hone of reasonable condition I thought so I bought it off him and left the razors to another day. On inspection when I got it home I saw that it comprised a "fine" Tam O Shanter and "very fine" Water of Ayr" combination and I realised after searching the archives here that it was a hone of some distinction. There is some interesting discussion on the origins of the stone(s) from quarries not too far from here in fact.

I attach pictures of the hone. There are some scratches on the surface which may be visible. As I understand it these imperfections can be removed by lapping and there is plenty of information/instruction on the forum about this. However any additional comment and guidance would be welcome...thanks

A great find! Rare stone, too.

This hone is no good for anything but a paperweight. I happen to be in dire need of a paperweight. Send it to me today and my problem will be solved. :beer2:


Kidding aside, if you go to the classifieds here you'll see one that is on the way to me. I'm anxiously awaiting it. Tams (good hones) aren't plentiful but they aren't that rare. Water of Ayr are like hen's teeth. This will be my first opportunity to whet a razor on one of them and I'm really looking forward to it. Great find you have there, congrats! Lap it with a 325 diamond plate or the equivalent wet/dry sandpaper. Always with plenty of water of course.

Lucky he still had it. That's one great combination stone!

I think Coully has or had a similar one for sale in the classifieds. He would be a good source of info on them.

very interesting stone. congratulations.

nice score!

Thanks gentlemen for comments; all of a sudden I have an interest in hones! I now appreciate my extreme good fortune in getting this stone considering my ignorance in not knowing what was in front of me and not moving immediately my friendly antique dealer showed me it.

Congrats. Nice hone.