Hones from polish source

Has anyone tried the stones available from this guy?

http://stores.ebay.com/classic-razor

I'm not sure how useful or effective a slate hone would be. Also, I think the Arkansas is said to be an oilstone. So basically I'm asking are these any use?

A few people have used them; I keep stumbling over threads that mention them :-).

I bought a set for my son. There is a slate type stone; my one came with a rubbing stone. There is also a translucent Arkansas stone, which the Polish text refers to as 6000-8000 grit.

The slate is relatively coarse; I use it wet with a slurry. It cuts extremely slowly compared to a Norton 4000.

The Arkansas is very fine and glassy; it's probably the same or finer in effect than a Norton 8000. I use it with a light sheen of water. It is also very slow. The slowness with both stones is typical of a natural stone.

Both stones are usable, but very different in behaviour from Nortons.

Some of the info is in German and says they are natural Arkansas stones 8k grit.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dead Ed

I'm not sure how useful or effective a slate hone would be. Also, I think the Arkansas is said to be an oilstone. So basically I'm asking are these any use?

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Some members have used them to good effect. The one on the web store looks like a translucent arkansas; if so then it's about 6k grit according to Norton. I've got a translucent (from another source) and use it fairly often. Despite the grit rating I've found it to put an edge on roughly equivalent to the 8k Norton or a fairly fine barber hone. They are slow but sure; don't plan on doing major honing with one unless you've got a fair amount of time to burn.

I have used the slate stone a few times now. It is very slow cutting, even with a slurry, and I would rate it about a 3K-4K grit.


Just my two cents,:)

Thanks for the replies gents! :D