Hone in the narrow side?

I picked this up recently from the local antique shop, and thought it was rather curious.

The stone is layed into the wood so the narrow side is in play, instead of the "flats" It is nearly twice as high as it is wide.

I am very certain this box is original to the stone, and my estimate is about 100 years of age (or more)

What might have been the reasons behind the use of a stone in this manner as opposed to what we do these days?

Attachment 105756

It could have been used for tool sharpening where the narrow profile was preferred.

Why would they prefer the narrow side though? isnt it as easy (or easier) to sharpen a narrow chisel on a wider surface?

Yep, but look at the dish. You've got twice the stone depth and longevity on the narrow side.

I guess the question now becomes, what should be done with it?

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Originally Posted by Magpie

I guess the question now becomes, what should be done with it?

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Well from collector and antique point of view; nothing!
But if you want to use it for tools and perhaps razors, take it out of the wood holder and lap one of the larger sides.
I would take it out, it doesn't look like anything special and I don't think you would destroy anything of "sharpening history interest".

Actually I have rounded a norton at the edge just for sharpenig "frown" razors
Stingray

If it were mine, I'd keep it as is. A narrow hone can be a useful tool in the arsenal, whether you are sharpening tools, knives or razors.

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Originally Posted by Magpie

I picked this up recently from the local antique shop

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Magpie

I guess the question now becomes, what should be done with it?

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Purchase first, ask questions later!

I guess I'd probably toss it in the tool shed for sharpening lawn and garden tools, once I'd determined the stone is fairly coarse

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Originally Posted by Theseus

If it were mine, I'd keep it as is. A narrow hone can be a useful tool in the arsenal, whether you are sharpening tools, knives or razors.

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I agree.

Narrow hones come in REAL handy on old, wedgie razors sometimes. Seem that over time, the edges or spines get high and low spots or it may have originally been ground with a low spot. A narrow hone will let you hone it whilst a wide on will bridge the low spot.

Could've been used to hone scythes, but I'd expect the edges to be rounded over a little if it was. Maybe it was easier to flatten the narrow side than one of the wider sides. I'm with the guys who say to keep it as a narrow hone.