Tam O'Shanter Hones

[Luecke2326]

I recently ran into a guy who was trying to move a TON of Tam O'Shanter Hones. I know some guys use them but they don't get a lot of discussion because they seem to be a more "rare," stone at least to me. Also, I'm sure all of these stones are different with some being wonderful finishers and some pre-finishers. I did end up buying a two of the stones, 1 has a label and one does not, both of them are 1in X 1in X 5in. I was planning on using one as a tomo to see how it worked on my Arks/ Jnats.

What are your experiences with them?


The Seller said they were bought at an estate sale and he stated: "They came from an estate sale. The family owned a printing company back in the 50s/60s . I’m told they where used to dress metal type face."

This is so interesting, I wouldn't have thought this would be a use for these stones. They are natural polishers, so I'd say its as good a use for them as any other.

 

[Wid]

I have a few of these stones, same source. They actually make for good finishers.

 

[Luecke2326]

I have a few of these stones, same source. They actually make for good finishers.

This is great to hear! have you been slurring them or just finishing with water?

 

[Wid]

This is great to hear! have you been slurring them or just finishing with water?

I tried to use a slurry and imo it set the edge back. Just plain water gives a pretty nice comfortable edge.

I glued two together to get a nice 2x5 barbers size stone.

 

[Luecke2326]

I tried to use a slurry and imo it set the edge back. Just plain water gives a pretty nice comfortable edge.

I glued two together to get a nice 2x5 barbers size stone.

Meaning you flattened the sides, then epoxied them together and then flattened the top? Man, maybe I should have bought three of them lol

 

[David]

I tried to use a slurry and imo it set the edge back. Just plain water gives a pretty nice comfortable edge.

I glued two together to get a nice 2x5 barbers size stone.

We’ve gotta see a pic of that, Rick.

 

[Luecke2326]

We’ve gotta see a pic of that, Rick.

AGREED!

 

[Wid]

We’ve gotta see a pic of that, Rick.

Will do this evening

 

[Wid]

Although you can see the seam it can not be felt.

 

[Luecke2326]

Although you can see the seam it can not be felt.

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It looks cool and if it works it works! Nice job!

 

[David]

That’s awesome.

 

[Steve56]

Nicely done Rick!

 

[SliceOfLife]

There are .25x.25x4" (I think, not sure on the length) ones out there too. They were apparently used to clean up solder joints.

 

[Legion]

I got one a month or two back, as an educated guess off ebay, and mine is definitely a finisher. I've been very much enjoying the edge off it.

Mine is 1.5x5.5", but I think it was originally 7" long, and got cut down for whatever reason.

 

[Empire straights]

I recently ran into a guy who was trying to move a TON of Tam O'Shanter Hones. I know some guys use them but they don't get a lot of discussion because they seem to be a more "rare," stone at least to me. Also, I'm sure all of these stones are different with some being wonderful finishers and some pre-finishers. I did end up buying a two of the stones, 1 has a label and one does not, both of them are 1in X 1in X 5in. I was planning on using one as a tomo to see how it worked on my Arks/ Jnats.

What are your experiences with them?


The Seller said they were bought at an estate sale and he stated: "They came from an estate sale. The family owned a printing company back in the 50s/60s . I’m told they where used to dress metal type face."

This is so interesting, I wouldn't have thought this would be a use for these stones. They are natural polishers, so I'd say its as good a use for them as any other.

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My coarser ones still can finish a razor well with a light touch. The white ones put a brilliant, durable edge on razors. They are also fantastic knife stones but where they really shine with knives is if you use a Tam slurry on a fine piece of novaculite to finish. It leaves micro serrations and will polish to a beautiful (pretty) hazy mirror. The slurry goes fast too. Every one I have is a spectacular stone and the two I over paid for I don't regret buying for a second. I have 2 white ones I think came from this lot. One with label one without.

 

[taffy]

I bought two from the same seller, and even with the cost of postage to the UK they were a good deal. I have only used them twice, once as a straight finisher and the second time I reduced the laps and then finished on red boxed yellow lake stone which again gave me a superb edge.

 

[Legion]

I recently ran into a guy who was trying to move a TON of Tam O'Shanter Hones. I know some guys use them but they don't get a lot of discussion because they seem to be a more "rare," stone at least to me. Also, I'm sure all of these stones are different with some being wonderful finishers and some pre-finishers. I did end up buying a two of the stones, 1 has a label and one does not, both of them are 1in X 1in X 5in. I was planning on using one as a tomo to see how it worked on my Arks/ Jnats.

What are your experiences with them?


The Seller said they were bought at an estate sale and he stated: "They came from an estate sale. The family owned a printing company back in the 50s/60s . I’m told they where used to dress metal type face."

This is so interesting, I wouldn't have thought this would be a use for these stones. They are natural polishers, so I'd say its as good a use for them as any other.

View attachment 1554089

View attachment 1554095
View attachment 1554097

Imagine going to an estate sale and seeing that.

I count just shy of 300 on that table. I don't know what he is selling them for (maybe one of you buyers can PM me), but whatever way you look at it, that is a bit of coin.

 

[captaincaed]

I'd be curious to know where he's selling as well. I've been playing with my Tam, seems a bit coarse for a final finish but I'd love to try another

 

[ables]

I'd be curious to know where he's selling as well. I've been playing with my Tam, seems a bit coarse for a final finish but I'd love to try another

I picked up a few, I'll send you a PM

 

[Luecke2326]

Imagine going to an estate sale and seeing that.

I count just shy of 300 on that table. I don't know what he is selling them for (maybe one of you buyers can PM me), but whatever way you look at it, that is a bit of coin.

The guy told me if he told me what he paid for them, he'd blush.... I'm guessing he got them for crazy cheap...