Is This an ESCHER?...

Is this hone an Escher?:

1. It is seemingly heavy for its dimensions (7 1/16" X 1 1/2" X 3/4").
2. It is a dark slate gray color.
3. It is softer than I thought (I carried it in a pocket with my EDC knife which made scratch marks on the surface).
4. When I lapped it with 320 it made a powderish chalk-like substance.
5. When I use water with it, it seems kinda soapy.
6. I tried to hone an edge with it (no progress whatsoever).

Since I have researched the Forums about Eschers, I started using it for just polishing already honed blades. They shave much better for that treatment. I think this stone is an Escher. Are there any other tell-tale clues to confirm that suspicion?

If it is indeed an Escher-I do have a Christmas Story to tell about it. Robert

I don't know of anything in your description that would preclude it from being an Escher. Colors vary. Some can be pretty soft. It made a slurry (they do it surprisingly fast). It seems to be strictly a polisher.

Fine, let's call it an Escher so we can hear the Christmas story!

'Twas Christmas 2003 when my wife and I shopped at a local Flea Market. We sought unique gifts for relatives only Flea Markets supply. At one booth a retired couple had a collection of assorted junk PLUS a chipped barber hone. They sold me the hone for $1 (ONE American Dollar). I was not into straight razor shaving then and only bought the stone as a favor.

'Twas Christmas 2004 at a Gun/Knife Show where I was passing time while my wife was shopping elsewhere. I had taken knives and other things to sell/trade. ONE THING I WANTED TO SELL WAS THAT $1 HONE FROM THE PAST CHRISTMAS! I offered to trade the hone for the $5 admission to the show. I almost made the deal but the gatekeeper declined the offer...The hone remained in a toolbox until recently.

Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus!!! After I got into straight razor shaving and joined The SRP Forums, I now learn that my $1 hone is an ESCHER! Something of great value has been bestowed upon me. It could only mean that it was a grand Christmas Present that I was meant to have.

Along with the ESCHER Discovery is perhaps The Best Gift: The store of wisdom and friendship given to me from this wonderful group of people from all over the Earth who enjoy each other's company living Straight Razor Place experiences. Thank You All, A Merry Christmas To All, And To All A Good Night! Robert

Great story, thanks!

I don't really know if it's an Escher. But I have a razor identical to the one pictured, and you already know by now that it is just a shaving fool! :tu

Yes, that is an Escher type stone. The chalk and the ease of scratching are key identifiers when searching for these. Keep your eyes open, they are more plentiful than the Belgian coticules.

:gl: