Thread: I think this is a CF

The pink color doesn't photo. The veins can be seen as well as the grain structure.

I'd say it was a Lyn Idwal. I've never seen as CF like that, and I've seen many. A good LI can be as good as a CF.

Originally Posted by Scipio

I'd say it was a Lyn Idwal. I've never seen as CF like that, and I've seen many. A good LI can be as good as a CF.

Well I have seen none. Do they typically have pink coloration or red veins?

It doesn't look like a CF to me - more like a grecian-type LI - there isn't a great deal between them. Maybe the LIs are somewhat harder, but a good LI is as good as a good CF, or so I've found. Both are novaculites.

The red colouration is hard to describe if you haven't seen it first hand. It is a type of chatoyance effect that certain stones have - an almost three dimensional effect when you get the illusion of looking past the surface of the stone, and not even all CFs have this.

In the end analysis they are all individual stones, and they got made by nature, not a conveyor belt with dosed-out amounts of minerals, so even the extremes of one type of hone can be hard to distinguish and allocate - even within the same family. If it's a good finisher, its a good finisher - what else matters?

Regards,
Neil

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

If it's a good finisher, its a good finisher - what else matters?

Regards,
Neil

That is my joy. It seems to finish better than I do. My search was for a stone from which I could obtain edges like the Escher was giving but without breaking my modest bank. I believe I can now release the Escher back into world where it can reach its full potential. I just love this razor stuff.

Thank you Mr. Miller I am confident I have a finishing hone.

Originally Posted by jaswarb

Well I have seen none. Do they typically have pink coloration or red veins?

Like your stone clearly has? LIs don't typically have it, but I have seen them with orange spots.

Find discussion of names and photos very interesting. I also find trying to determine what a stone may or may not be very difficult from just photos and discussions. It may be may lack of knowledge but I'm very leery of eBay stones with 'names'. Only buy reasonably priced 'no name' ones.

Originally Posted by Scipio

Like your stone clearly has? LIs don't typically have it, but I have seen them with orange spots.

Thanks. If the LI and CF give comparable results which equal my Escher I have attained my goal. The name isn't really a concern to me.

Originally Posted by Johnus

Find discussion of names and photos very interesting. I also find trying to determine what a stone may or may not be very difficult from just photos and discussions. It may be may lack of knowledge but I'm very leery of eBay stones with 'names'. Only buy reasonably priced 'no name' ones.

I agree. But it is logical someone whose experience includes large numbers of hones could evaluate by appearance alone and be at least reasonably accurate whereas someone like myself with limited experience is shooting in the dark. This stone was reasonably priced and not clearly named but rather it was presented as a finisher (possibly a CF) by someone with more experience than I.

The stone works well. The basis for high prices on Eschers I believe can be found in the consistency with which they perform ergo find a labeled Escher you won't do much better whereas the issue with other stones is variable performance and questionable identity which makes predictability nearly impossible which is a good reason to use a synthetic stone to finish.

I can find little difference in the end result between it and my Escher but this could easily be caused by my lacking skill. Having said that, the razor's I have honed have pleased me and a few others with sharp edges and smooth shaves. Really there is no other outcome I would prefer. I am learning a PHIG as well but I find the slow cutting to bothersome.

Originally Posted by jaswarb

Thanks. If the LI and CF give comparable results which equal my Escher I have attained my goal. The name isn't really a concern to me.



I agree. But it is logical someone whose experience includes large numbers of hones could evaluate by appearance alone and be at least reasonably accurate whereas someone like myself with limited experience is shooting in the dark. This stone was reasonably priced and not clearly named but rather it was presented as a finisher (possibly a CF) by someone with more experience than I.

The stone works well. The basis for high prices on Eschers I believe can be found in the consistency with which they perform ergo find a labeled Escher you won't do much better whereas the issue with other stones is variable performance and questionable identity which makes predictability nearly impossible which is a good reason to use a synthetic stone to finish.

I can find little difference in the end result between it and my Escher but this could easily be caused by my lacking skill. Having said that, the razor's I have honed have pleased me and a few others with sharp edges and smooth shaves. Really there is no other outcome I would prefer. I am learning a PHIG as well but I find the slow cutting to bothersome.

If it make you happy that all it matters! about the PHIG check out this thread http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...nat-athon.html

To me it looks like very nice LI. With those "red veins". I have seen some which were made by use of oil and swarf which seeped into them and coloured them. Often when you degrease your hone the colouring stays.