Quote Originally Posted by Phrank View Post
Eschers usually should be very consistent, you can get the odd one out that is an underperformer.

The biggest problem I've heard about and experienced with one I got rid of awhile ago, was a stone that had been contaminated with oil or some other substance. The stone may look fine, but if its been loaded with a heavy oil, its essentially dead. The one I had was terrible, gave it to Val to try out, and he said it produced a terrible edge.
I used to clean my Arkies when the pores were clogged up in a dishwasher. May seem less attractive if your Escher still has its label on. You can also soak it in a solution of bicarbonate of sodium, label facing up and kept dry. Another option might be sanding the toplayer off. Or soaking it in gasoline or paint thinner.