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One of the local slate hones I found, cleaned up to 800 grit and used on several tools. I have found larger chunks but I haven't lapped them yet. This one sits comfortably in my hand.

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Sebastian,

that is excellent, thanks! Lorich is about 20 minutes from home, so I could go and look around for an old quarry! I'm also planning on checking the quarry in Hockweiler... I see it...

Sebastian,

would you have seen anything in old German literature about hones from the Vulkaneifel, Trier area, Mosel or Saarland? I have spotted a few interesting veins while driving around in the...

She's a keeper!

Just after the last post, I tried honing the W&B near wedge again (with some tape this time) and got it sharp enough to shave quite fast.

The local slate is quite puzzling...

What worked so far:

hand plane blades
chisels
pocket knives
"celebrated fine indian steel razor"
Grelot 308
Azuma "For Barber's Use"

So I confirmed another vein today, with larger stones that will require less lapping. It is also conveniently a very short distance from my workshop. I'm going to dress a sample this weekend, then...

So I tested the other pieces I picked up yesterday, they all seem to perform in the same way... it is possible that they all come from the same rock so I'll pick some in a different area next time. I...

After reading the whole thread, I picked up a couple of stones while walking the dogs this afternoon. I live in a slate mining area and you find slate all over the place. To limit the dead weight, I...