Thread: 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.

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?

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!