Thread: escher rubbing stone

Originally Posted by Laager

I think some here must have skipped past Laager's cryptic post.

The left side of the label appears to say "Use water or oil."

Well - there you go, thank you

Sweeney Todd - I have no problem being doubted at all And I do think that in this light (having info on opposing philisophies about using hones for others who might stumble here later) you raised a great point - I certainly wasn't trying to urge people to break out the oil and... I just pointed out my experience, admitted that it's limited, and wanted to clarify that the thing existed

Cheers
Ivo

Now - let's get some more interested people for the slurry stones! Or maybe not - if most feel that the stone should be left as is...

If this is any help - I can buy a couple of slurry stones just so (and yes, I'd prefer a bit larger but narrow piece to use as a hone... or the whole stone, if it comes to this)

Ivo, I asked Laager about buying the whole stone before you did, so hold on! As far as my comment about the Rabbis not liking oil, it was directed as a response to Ivo's post where he mentions the Rabbis' aversion to oil. I was only giving their reason for not wanting that a stone be used with oil, it was not directed as to why Escher or anyone else states to keep the stones away from grease or oil. Also, I have talked to people who sell stones to Rabbis and can tell you that although the prescription about burying stones to make them Kosher is really in the Bible, they still will have nothing to do with a stone that has been used with oil.

I've changed my mind about being opposed to Laager cutting up his stone. I think it was a grand gesture on his part and I'm totally up for buying a slurry stone. Escher slurry stones aren't easy to come by, and Lord knows Rich doesn't need another damn big rare hone.

OK, here are some images to crystalise any doubt or committment. Note that this isn't a mint stone. If it was, I wouldn't be thinking of cutting it up. It's a very used stone. One side is quite worn. The other is fine.

It's a bit over 8" long; about 8 1/4".

It varies in width from 2 1/16" to 2". Call it 2".

It varies from 1/2" thick to 3/8" at its thinnest.

Next to a larger one:



Like I said, it's worn:







Now, the grid:



If people are still keen then two things need deciding. 1) the cut pattern; and 2) the price.

A 2" x 1" would generally be cut across the stone. i.e. squares 1 and 2 remain joined and I cut down the 1/2 border between 3/4. If a longer stone is to be cut, such as what Ivo seems to desire, I'd have to leave, say, 9/11/13/15/17 as one piece and work out the rest of the cut pattern to maximise 2" x 1" stones. I am not opposed to 1" x 1" stones if people want that size.

For the cut pattern, perhaps people could nominate which squares they want.

For the price, well, does it go on flat 1" square multiples? i.e. $15 per square inch? (pieces 17 and 18 I had intended to remain joined to 15 and 16, but possibly a sliver is all someone wants...) I'm open to suggestion on what to do with the tad extra that accounts for 17 and 18.

I'm open to suggestion on pricing but $50USD for a 2" x 1" is way too high. Attractive, yes. Reasonable, no.

Have at it and let me know. In relation to cut pattern, post it in the thread so others can see.

I'd be interested in 1x4 or 1x5 if possible and if not - it really doesn't matter to me if the parts are cut 1x1 or 1x2. But I might be tempted to get a 1x2 and try to use it for honing - running it over the edge, as one would hone an axe or something

Other than this - I think I will prefer the thicker part (I figure this is more important for a hone than for a rubbing stone)

Cheers
Ivo

Laager, those are excellent pictures! My desires are similar to Ivo's. I would like a stone that is 2"X4" or 2"X5" if possible cut from the thicker end. Realizing that others besides myself are interested in rubbing stones, then I would be happy with a 2" wide stone that would be as long as possible cut from the thicker side. As to price, I think that you should dictate that since it's your stone. I would be comfortable paying whatever price you set. Your previous post makes it clear that you would set a very reasonable price. Thank you for your consideration and for asking for our input. Best regards, Rich.

OK, a 2" x 5" almost takes take of the stone all by itself, assuming a 2" x 1" rubbing stone, as I assume a rubbing stone would be required in addition to the main stone.

With that pattern we have 4 1/2 square inches of stone left that can be cut numerous ways. However, this really doesn't satisfy the demand for the rubbing stones.

A 2" x 4" main stone does leave the possibility of a 1" x 4 1/4" but obviously, they aren't both from the same end.....

It also leaves only 4 1/4" square inches for rubbing stones. Again, not really satisfying demand for the rubbing stones.

There's Dylandog and Jonedangerousli yet to speak up since the images went live so let's just wait and see.

I'd like very much to buy a small rubbing stone, exact dimensions not terribly important.

I don't want to buy one of the rubbing stones since unfortunately I don't have an Escher to use it with; however, in my opinion I don't think that the rubbing stones would even need to be 1x1. IMO Half that size would be more than enough for a rubbing stone to generate a slurry. If you made the rubbing stones smaller you could sell both Rich and Ivo the small hones that they want and still be able to offer small rubbing stones to those who want them. The way I see it this would be the way for you to get the most money for your stone and also for everyone to get what they want. Just my .02