Thread: How do I identify a hone?

Originally Posted by Aethis

I go to antique shops all the time and see boxes filled with sharpening stones. I was wondering if there was a way to differentiate between a knife sharpening stone and a hone? Thank you, sorry if It is a rudimentary question, but I have never seen or used a hone before.

I wish I had that problem. I've searched several antique shops and only found two sharpening stones...one for knives that I took a gamble on and lost, and one a barber's hone that was clearly marked and identifiable.

I've done plenty of research, and am still in your shoes when it comes to discerning whether or not a stone is meant for razors or knives/tools. If the stone isn't clearly marked or in clearly marked packaging (and even that's a gamble) there doesn't seem to be any way to tell. You just have to have experience enough to know. That said, GSsixgun (Glen) is not too far from you and a mad beast when it comes to honing. You could always try PMing him and seeing if he'd give you a tour of his hones? there are several other guys in your neck of the woods who are honers, and I THINK there's a get together coming up in Spokane or Yakima soon. It may have already happened though. Glen or one of the other North West guys would know for sure.

I've relegated myself to saving up money for new hones, in part to not waste money on hones that aren't for razors, and in part not to waste money on hones that have been abused or misused and will need a lot of work if there's any chance of them honing properly at all. But then again, I don't live in the land of stones you live in. If I did I might be inclined to do more research!

Peace,