Thread: Looking for Feedback for" Water of Ayr" hone

So I've been doing some extensive testing with this Dual Scotch Hone, been refreshing a bunch of razors with some laps on the ToS side followed by lots of laps on the black Water of Ayr side, very dark, almost black rock, with the occasional dots and rivers connecting them as you can see from the pic.

First pic is the Water of Ayr side:



This is the TOS side:



I usually do a refresh with some laps on the Nani 12k followed by the Escher, and have always had great results.

Reason for posting, has it been anyone elses experience that the Water of Ayr stone seems to put an almost supernatural edge on a razor? The razors bevel seems to polish out mirror clean under the loupe after the WoA, and the results have been amazing, whether it's a Sheffield or a Heljestrand. I can't get over the "zip" of this edge, where the Escher is such a nice mellow edge, this stone seems to get that subtleness as well as producing a really "bright" edge...gaah...the battle for adjectives!

I'm curious as to why the Water of Ayr stone isn't talked about more, I've read a few old threads here, but there really isn't much on them, so soliciting other members input regarding use/experience regarding this seemingly amazing stone.

Thanks.

In all the time I spent collecting hones I only came across one WOA. I got that from coully, the guy who brought the Scotch hones into the US, from his personal stash. So I'd say there are not that many people who have had a chance to fool with them.

I know Randy had a couple, and ended up with the one I got from Coully as well. I don't recall messing with it too much. I was into Eschers in a big way back then. Good to hear you're liking the edges.

Yea, they dont show up often, and when they do, they are frequently overpriced (IMO) Would certainly enjoy a chance to hone on one though.

There was a little surge of popularity around here several years ago but I never took the plunge. Limited availability and priced accordingly. Never heard any complaints.

Yeah they are tough to find for a decent price and not super common. I'm still trying to find a Scotch Dual Hone for my collection.

I got one a long time ago and I have to confess that I don't recall evaluating it much. I know that I honed on it but don't remember any particular results. I will endeavor to play with it more some time soon.

Originally Posted by eKretz

Yeah they are tough to find for a decent price and not super common. I'm still trying to find a Scotch Dual Hone for my collection.

+1. If I could find one, I'd probably have one. It's kind of like running across a Charnley. Just not that many around. And when I do see them I never have the money on hand. Seems to be immediately after burning the hone acquisitions savings fund every time.

I have the same stone. You saw it on the hone of the day . You definitely can shave off it , I did a few times and got a smooth shave. Imo it leaves an edge near 8k. It cuts and pops my facial hair like my 8k norton does. It is comparable.

I want to shave off the tam side next.