Thread: old hones, image heavy

I discovered these hones in a box of barbering supplies I recently purchased. Gentleman was shaving professionally from the 1920's to 1940's. I don't know the first thing about honing except what I've read, but it seems like these are some nice finds.

I think this crack is fantastic aesthetically, and am guessing has no effect on the honing? I read up in the wiki, and this looks like a natural coticule/bbw? The size is 2" x 3.5 x 0.5""
The other side: how concerning are the scratches?


A bigger version of the same type of stone with a concave top as well. Is this from misuse, overuse, a special use, or no use? This stone is 7.5" x 1.25" x 1.25 to 1.5" with a corner clipped off.



A strange brown half-pipe shaped stone stamped Japan on the bottom with Japan written on one side. Seems more like brick or clay or something molded into shape to me. 3.25" x 1.5", between .25 and .5 thickness.



and this one seems darker in person than the photo. Dark grey, 3" x 2" x 1"



It looks like a pretty good find, though the big coticule's shape seems strange. The small brown stone's shape is obviously intentional, for double-edged blades? Let me know your thoughts and expertise, I'm dying to learn more about these ol' rocks