Can Someone Help ID This Stone?

Coonskinner · Oct 22, 2015

I bought this unidentified stone at a flea market, and it is my absolute favorite.

It has a coarse and a smooth side, and is a dull red in color.

The fine side finishes a blade to an edge that readily shaves, but that is incredibly toothy and grabby, exactly like I like.

I wish I knew what it was.

Rhinoknives1 · Oct 22, 2015

It sounds Like a Norton India Stone.

Coonskinner · Oct 22, 2015

Rhinoknives1 said:
It sounds Like a Norton India Stone.

I thought so too.

But I have a Norton Fine India, and it isn't the same shade, and doesn't act quite the same.

Coonskinner · Oct 22, 2015

Maybe its an older Norton?

kn4wd · Oct 22, 2015

it looks like a carbo stone to me. manmade two sided very doubtful as a Norton. clean it good and get a good high res photo maybe it will be easlier id.

Coonskinner · Oct 22, 2015

kn4wd said:
it looks like a carbo stone to me. manmade two sided very doubtful as a Norton. clean it good and get a good high res photo maybe it will be easlier id.

I soaked it in Simple Green and got a lot of the junk out of it.

Whatever it is, I love the edge it puts on a blade.

When I get a blade profiled like I want it, I use this stone to put the final edge on it, and the edge it gives cuts like a beast.

David Martin · Oct 22, 2015

That is a Norton IB8. A coarse/ fine India stone. 2"X8". DM

Coonskinner · Oct 23, 2015

David Martin said:
That is a Norton IB8. A coarse/ fine India stone. 2"X8". DM

Thank you, Sir.

I'm glad to know so I can buy a spare.

David Martin · Oct 23, 2015

You stone looks to be an early Norton made in U.S.A.. That wording my be on the side. I get good edges coming off that early stone as well. Not as good edges coming off the made in Mexico stone. The two are different. Grit not as fine and takes longer to break in. Still, I've read Sharpening Supplies has some of the U.S.A. new made Norton India stones. If you want a spare, I'd go there. They offer good value as well. You're welcome. DM