Thread: A Special Stone

Today let’s discuss the Special Stone. This is a natural stone. It is a very high end final finisher. The small size of the stone is an indicator as to the value. I will not even guess the grit range of this stone but IF I choose to use, it will come after my Y/G Escher. 7 to 12 passes with water only will put an extreme keen edge on a razor.

What kind of stone is it? Where does it come from? Let’s look at the label printed in English. “SPECIAL STONE only for GOOD RAZORS” Then we see a silhouette of a French razor and the letters F.G B.C. Stamped on the side of the stone is VERY FINE, which is barely legible.

From what I have researched, this stone is from St. Etienne France and was mined in the Vosges region of that country. This is across the border from Germany. There are brown stones that also come from this region that have been called Brown Thuringians or Escher-esque type stones.

Attached are some pictures of this stone with and without slurry. Saw cut lines are visible. The slurry of this stone has a metallic blue sheen and it cuts very fast. If anyone has information on this stone or, if I am in error, please clarify.

Mike

I don't know anything about it except that I know that I want one now.

Very beautiful. I will have to look for that on my first trip to France.

The colors are amazing in that stone. The aqua/turquoise in the dark blue stone is just breath taking. Your a lucky man to have that!

two questions where did you get that beauty from and how can i get one ?

Dammit Mike ! Why did you have to post a beautiful stone that I don't have ? Now my HAD is kicking up.

I will not even guess the grit range of this stone but IF I choose to use, it will come after my Y/G Escher. [...] and it cuts very fast.

People have asked whether I agree. Well, yes, no and yes. It is always a bit problematic to specify grit range (let alone a specific grit designation) in the case of natural hones. This one is a finisher and, for a hone in that category, abrades relatively fast. I could not (yet? technique after all is of the essence) improve edges finished on Eschers.