Thread: Need Some Help to Identify What This Is

Hello All,

During a brief discussion with an elderly neighbor, I mentioned my intention to begin using a straight razor. The next day, he gave me what I think is a sharpening stone without any time for discussion. May I ask this most knowledgeable group to supply me with some information on this item? Thanks in advance to all for your help.
Andy

That looks like a carborundum oilstone to me and, if it is, PLEASE don't put a razor near it

It looks to be a synthetic stone with a coarser and finer side. Flatten it out with some sandpaper on a smooth, flat surface, bevel the edges, and give it a go! I'm mostly speculating, but you might get best results using oil. It probably won't be a final finishing stone, but could be very useful in the early stages of honing--bevel setting and/or sharpening (especially given its two sides).

Let us know how it turns out!

p.s. nice velvet.

Originally Posted by Havachat45

That looks like a carborundum oilstone to me and, if it is, PLEASE don't put a razor near it

I agree, Please dont use this!!!

This hone is not entirely without use. Even if it's as bad as you guys say, a new razor sharpener can extract value from this.

For instance, even if it does suck, you can buy a crap razor on ebay and practice your honing stroke. Something which takes a lot of practice to master. Plus you can hold it in your hand and practice on it while you sit on the couch...something I wouldn't recommend doing with a waterstone.

I don't see this as a throwaway item, personally. At least not without testing it first.

I'm not gonna jump to any conclusions until I see it lapped and cleaned up thoroughly.

It could be a great stone (the lighter whiter side), you just don't know.

How does it feel???? Harsh, smooth, rough, etc.. Describe it better for us...

TTYL,,

m

I have one just like this - a holder over from my early knife sharpening days. Acceptable for rusty machetes and axes, but my best knives and especially my SR's get the finest waterstone treatment. This stone is meant to be used dry or with some oil on the fine side.

It reminds me of my old Norton Oil stone, One side coarse, one side fine. Great for knives, not so much for razors....

mj,
The lighter side, shown with the insignia on the photo is much smoother and finer versus the reverse side, while smooth is coarse and has more grit to it.

Just a guess, but I don't think a really fine synthetic would be bound to a carb. So if I had to just guess from the pics, the "finer" side might be fine for setting a bevel. Unless you have a backup razor to use, I wouldn't run a shave ready blade over either side, unless you really want to send it out to be rehoned. If you don't care, go for it though Without touching it myself, it's too hard to say for sure.