Thread: Indescript Vintage Hones

I see alot of vintage hones on ebay with no description as to the origin of the stone just a picture, what are the chances of these hones being good for razors if I just take a gamble?

their usually greyish kinda color ones like the welsh hones.

I would say your guess is as good as mine. If you're very familiar with the 'usual suspects' in terms of what works for straights then it is less of a gamble. I've always stuck with getting stones that were positively identified and I've never regretted it.

"I figure the odds be 50-50 ..."

There are a lot of often dirty washitas, india oilstones and coarse arkies that are not useful or at least not ideal for razors. Once you can recognize these from ebay pics you can do some gambling. I avoid standard slates as well because you can buy them cheaper from Inigo Jones and you don't really need more than one.

Lately you have to add to the pot many sicarbs and Indias as vendors are wiling to blatantly lie about them being natural or for razors.
If you are not sure leave them alone. There are many fish in the sea.

I wouldn't risk it.
There a little bit of treasure and endless trash for razors.