Help needed identifying shaving hones in the wild

[dietz_james]

I am just switching to a straight razor from a double edge and found a half dozen unmarked hones and stones at a local shop for about $3 each. Is there any way for a novice to determine if a hone is meant for tools vs razors, let alone how good they are? There are both synthetics and natural stone, rough and smooth ones, rectangular and oblong, a variety of colors, some used and assume new.

At $3 I will take some risks, but want to avoid obvious mistakes and to make sure a don't miss any hidden gems that might be more expensive.

Thanks in advance.

 

[stone and strop]

Nothing hard and fast about differentiating between tool and razor.
You have to educate yourself.
Most stones at antique markets are old oil stones for tools and too coarse for razors, however, you could stumble across a fine razor hone if you are lucky.

 

[dietz_james]

...however, you could stumble across a fine razor hone if you are lucky.

Is there a way to tell if it is fine enough for a razor?

 

[Bob1955]

Just feel it with your fingers...it should be smooth, the smoother the finer.

 

[David]

At $3 I will take some risks, but want to avoid obvious mistakes and to make sure a don't miss any hidden gems that might be more expensive.

Take a few pics and let’s see if we can help you out.

 

[dietz_james]

After looking again, I think only one $3 might be smooth enough for finishing a razor, but I think the curve might make it a poor choice.

 

[dietz_james]

Take a few pics and let’s see if we can help you out.

Thanks. I added a couple photos.

 

[David]

Those are generally tool or Scythe stones.

 

[dietz_james]

Thank you.

That's what I figured. The others were too rough or damage. I bought this one anyway. The price was right, and I have plenty of tools that could use it.

 

[David]

There could be some nice lower grit naturals in the group. If you have any more pics post them.

 

[dietz_james]

There could be some nice lower grit naturals in the group. If you have any more pics post them.

There is a set being sold elsewhere for $25. I haven't seen them in person yet.

 

[David]

Hmmmm. I’m on my phone but the yellow stone could be a coti. A side view of both would really help

 

[stone and strop]

There is a set being sold elsewhere for $25. I haven't seen them in person yet.

I would buy that set for 25.00. Possible Coti and the other ??? Maybe something. As Dcaddo said, a side shot would really help.
Many stones at antique markets are clogged with oil and will feel pretty fine to the touch but they need to be really fine for a razor.
Case in point - the scythe stone you picked up. It is a med stone at best.

 

[dietz_james]

Thanks!

The last one is an online item I found for $50. More than I want to spend in something I cannot see and feel first, but I love the appearance and would like to know what others think.

 

[David]

I’m not sure about that one. That guy sells a lot of strange stones on eBay. I’d make sure he accepts returns, and if he does I say go for it.

 

[stone and strop]

Thanks!

The last one is an online item I found for $50. More than I want to spend in something I cannot see and feel first, but I love the appearance and would like to know what others think.

What does the person selling it say it is?

 

[Joshua223]

Looks a lot like polished petrified wood or slab of semiprecious stone at first glance. IDK though.

 

[SliceOfLife]

Buy the box set for 25 bucks. Could be a thury and a coti. Could be junk. But I think the odds are getting make it worthwhile

 

[duke762]

I do much better gambling on stones, (Ebay) than I do at the casino. Being near sighted and color blind, I have also purchased some really bizarre..uh, ..stuff..... that I thought might be a hone.

I try to find at least some utility in any hone I get my hands on. Some I have bought, I wouldn't give you 2 dead flies for and can't really find a niche for them. Not even sharpening my Swiss Army knife I use to cut boxes. They end up in the charity drop box.

I have also scored some real gems! If I saw those on the Bay and didn't have the stones I have, I'd buy them. Roll the dice and if they don't work out for razors, find some utility sharpening something else. With practice, you will soon get better at identification of useful hones.

I have was in the same predicament when I started out. Hang out here and learn!!!

As far as the petrified wood goes, at 50.00$, I think I'd pass and put it towards an Arkansas stone of the translucent or surgical black variety. I feel that most petrified wood is not nearly homogeneous and consistent enough to be used on razors. It's prone to have to have different densities and grits, due to the grain of the wood fossilizing differently between rings. Some specimens tend to flake easily leaving larger grit on the surface which bangs up your blade real bad.

 

[dietz_james]

Thank you all for the advice. The seller described the stone as "Japanese?" and did not answer any of my questions, so I will be passing on it. I am still waiting on a response fit the others. I would love a nice Arkansas stone of the translucent or surgical black variety, but haven't found a good deal on one yet.