Thread: Model Engineer - identify hones and any use?

Hello, I'm from Manchester uk and I'm new to here. I recently was given a Taylor's 1000 razor by my dad who got it off his grandad and we expect it to be quite old. I'd like to get it shave ready and give it a go. I'm a model engineer and I'm just curious if you guys can identify any of my stones. I have picked them up over the last 4 years and used them to sharpen lathe tools. The truth is, I've never really thought much about them, picking which ever came to hand. Now after watching countless videos on honing razors, it is clear that I need to know what is what along with their grades. So...can anyone tell me anything about any of them? I bought the German specially selected razor to practice on before touching the sentimental Taylor's 1000!!!
I look forward to your replies.

Wellcome to SRP,none of the stones to my eye look applicable to razor honeing,some are slips,others will chime in shortly,enjoy the site.

The thinner dark one looks lime it may be some sort of natural, like a thurry, but I can't tell from the photos. The others look like synthetics that would be too coarse.

What holli4pirating said. Lap the smallest gray one and show us pics of it wet, dry, and with its slurry. Include a side view too, in case we can spot any sedimentary lines. Also note any smell it gives off when wet. If you've ever used it with oil, you'll want to get the oil out.

Your best bet for enjoying the ancestral blade's full potential will be to send it out for a professional honing. If you try to learn honing and straight shaving at the same time, like I did, it'll be years and at least one ruined blade before you learn how it all should feel. I didn't really start learning about either until I bought a truly shave-ready razor.

Best wishes to you.

Hi guys, ok, I take your advice!

Is there anyone in Manchester/North West area that hones blades? Better still, anyone willing to show me the process for later...? Being a hobby engineer Raynerd.co.uk. I'd love to learn!

My guess from enlarging your photos, giving me a view of the sides;

The small hone has saw/cut marks on one end that I can see.
It might be an interesting hone.

The others look like they are from a carpenters kit and are all
too coarse for razors (based on photos is a risk). All look man
made to me as as such are not likely to be very special without
some additional information.