Thread: South African Hones....

Stefan,

What did you use to raise a slurry?

Originally Posted by Milkylee

Stefan,

What did you use to raise a slurry?

1.2k DMT, I'll try some hard naturals next time and see how that works out.

Stefan, I'm glad to hear that you got the same result as Rich and I got from our test stones. I have to say that I'm not surprised that you got a superb edge, but it is good to know that all the stones in the batch so far give excellent results.

The first time I honed on mine a couple months back, I instantly knew that Mike had found some true blooded hones here.

Thanks again for all your hard work in finding us these hones Mike. BTW, the other 2 in this test batch are pretty top notch hones also.

Stefan, Thank you so much for the kind words and for taking time to post such nice images and to give your impressions in using the stone. I also really appreciate that you took time to even point out the packaging - simple as it is I'm a big fan of small details and also in the presentation of everything that I make.
I've 'provisionally' lapped all the stones that I ship out - but as Stefan noted they do need to be lapped to each individual's liking. So a notice then to all ZG owners: follow Stefan's lapping routine

I've just yesterday sent out the 'second wave' of stones (will PM each of you with tracking info). But again, thanks to you kind gentlemen for your patience in receiving your stones - the lapping and hand-packaging is tedious and meticulous and, well, you know, good things take time

I'm very excited to hear more of your experiences in using my hone - like a proud Papa, that's how I feel...


- Burt, I agree those lonely forgotten other two hones need some love.. My only worry is that unlike the Zulu Grey, those two were cut from a real odd couple, in that I have no sustainable source for them.. that I know of yet... So I really only have like 4 stones each for those other hones...

- Mike

I'm curious about the actual type of rock this actually is! The other question I would have is that what is it that makes a rock a hone? Shape? Flatness? I know I might be getting off topic here, and am by no means discounting the stone here (i've inquired about one for myself too , but has anyone tried using granite? marble? Or even something extremely hard like a lapped piece of agate, as a finisher? Feeling a kitchen counter that is made out of granite that is completely flat and has a glass like finish? And then why not just finish on glass? If i'm being stupid just tell me to shut up but i truly am curious about this.

Originally Posted by brooksie967

I'm curious about the actual type of rock this actually is! The other question I would have is that what is it that makes a rock a hone? Shape? Flatness? I know I might be getting off topic here, and am by no means discounting the stone here (i've inquired about one for myself too , but ha

Me too, I can only imagine Michael spelunking in some abandoned mine in South Africa, razor in hand, testing any piece of rock he can find, though I it was probably somewhat Indian jones-like (just my imagination getting carried away).

Search the thread Hones and Geology posted by Michael C early on in his quest for the Holy Grail. Like you, I am fascinated by this rabbit hole and am racing down it as fast as I can....I meant this for Brooksie....

Originally Posted by brooksie967

I'm curious about the actual type of rock this actually is! The other question I would have is that what is it that makes a rock a hone? Shape? Flatness? I know I might be getting off topic here, and am by no means discounting the stone here (i've inquired about one for myself too , but has anyone tried using granite? marble? Or even something extremely hard like a lapped piece of agate, as a finisher? Feeling a kitchen counter that is made out of granite that is completely flat and has a glass like finish? And then why not just finish on glass? If i'm being stupid just tell me to shut up but i truly am curious about this.

Anything can be pretty much used to sharpen a blade. Put it under running water for a few hundred years and you have the sharpest edge ever. What makes a hone is the ability to do a really class act on an edge. The more delicate the instrument the more particular you need to be. You know it's like putting a cow in a pasture and he'll thrive on anything that grows just about. Put a horse in the same location and he's dead if he eats the same stuff. An ax can be honed on just about anything but a fine knife or razor not so much.

People keep experimenting with different rocks but the best hones are well known for a reason.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Anything can be pretty much used to sharpen a blade. Put it under running water for a few hundred years and you have the sharpest edge ever.

Bigspendur: I've heard that somewhere before

But thank you!

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Anything can be pretty much used to sharpen a blade. Put it under running water for a few hundred years and you have the sharpest edge ever...

I reckon that must be Big Chief Running Water, the semi-mystical master of the stones from Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. The other type of running water would rust it up really good...

Seriously though, I agree - that the best hones are known for a reason. There may well be a new addition or two to their ranks, though!

Regards,
Neil