Thread: Cutler's Greenstone, is a Legend ?

Yes, I've read this thread in the past,at the end I believe Grecian is a brand name of Llyn Idwall.Maybe I'm wrong but this is what I think about.

They might come from the same mine, but, from what I see, they don't have anything else in common. I don't know if my LIs are harder than the rest, something strange since all of them are practically coloured glass, or my Grecian is softer than the rest or a coarser variety, but I don't think my Grecian is novaculite. Maybe something like coticule and BBW, if they come from the same place. It is faster than a LI but if it was this soft and pure silicon oxide, I'd think it would be even faster.

I can't help you because I haven't learn geology, I can only suggest to look it with microscope if you can see some different texture but the best way is always to try to hone a razor with it.

This is getting interesting. In about 30 mins I will use the most accurate and scientifically acceptable method to determine the grit of a stone. I'll try to lick them! I'm putting them in boiling water for 30 minutes, I'm a clean freak. All the stones are burnished from use to their finest degree, no sandpaper 600grit, lapping etc. Then I will post my results. If nobody is gonna do it, I will.

Well, we stay tuned and let us know your outcome.

And yes I lick always the stones to determinate if are coarse or fine, this is an old good trick.

Well, the method DOES work! The key is the speed. The faster you move the stone on your tongue, the better image you have for the stone, but there is a downside, more about it later.
My initial purposes were to test
A C12k
A yellow lake "support genuine labour" label
An Everkeen
A Llyn Idwal
A Charnley forest
A cambrock silkstone
A BBW
A Grecian
A Cretan oilstone, white, without oil
and another two Greek hones.

I started with the C12k VS the Yellow lake VS the Everkeen.
You can count the times a particle hits your tongue, it's like a Geiger counter. With a polished hone, this method really works.
I had brushed my tongue before the test, for ruling out possible false results, and, while I was "testing" those three, moving the stones as fast as I can for better results, I tasted blood :s From the abrasive action, my tongue started bleeding, and I stopped the test. There is always a possibility of infection, the results wouldn't be accurate enough, and it's kind of gross while bleeding . So far, those three are very close, maybe the Everkeen was a little finer than the other two, which is a surprise, I thought they were pretty close but my C12k was a little finer. For the rest, it will take a couple of days to complete the test.

Ahh ahh, sorry for my laught, I wouldn't push you to a wrong move, I use to lick the stone gently only with the top of the tongue which is the most sensible part of body, in this way you can feel the grit for rate.
When your tongue allow you, try this method.

Usually I do that after have stone lapping , and my last lap is with sandpaper 1200 grit.

I tried several ways, the tip was the most effective, but the bigger surface you use the better you can understand the stone. I think the finish of the stone changes the results. The finer the surface gets, the better you can detect the actual particles, for a 1200 grit finish, you can practically feel the lines the sandpaper left. And, since we can sense the thickness and texture of a hair in our food with our tongues, I'm starting to believe it's actually a pretty reliable method. I will post my results when I will be able to complete the test.

Just to return to original task. I have never seen the CG. However I do have now a guess where they were from. My guess was formed by expected size of quarry, type of material required and also a bit of the area knowledge and many miles in legs. Sorry boys so far I would decline disclosing the information untill I will find the real proof a I would not be telling porkies and feeding information to sellers who sell fake hones with posh names.

Originally Posted by adrspach

Just to return to original task. I have never seen the CG. However I do have now a guess where they were from. My guess was formed by expected size of quarry, type of material required and also a bit of the area knowledge and many miles in legs. Sorry boys so far I would decline disclosing the information untill I will find the real proof a I would not be telling porkies and feeding information to sellers who sell fake hones with posh names.

Well, don't forget me ! Pic up one more for me, please.

And what can you tell me about the stone in pics above ? The middle one . Have you some guess?

Thank you