Lansky radiused hones

[olddogrib]

I took a set on trade just to sharpen my Simmons Tigersharks. they do a good job, but what the heck are they made of? The don't appear to be anything like Arkansas stone. They're very porous and oil soaks right in, so I don't know if they're even supposed to have lube. They shed too, so I expect they'll develop flat spots in short order. What gives?

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Most likely aluminum oxide, which is the most common material in man-made sharpening stones/hones/wheels/belts, especially inexpensive ones. The porosity and tendency to shed grit is likely due to whatever binder(s) they may be using to bind the abrasive grit together. Most typical aluminum oxide sharpening stones won't ordinarily shed too much grit (though some can). It's both good and bad, because the shedding of grit will ensure the abrasive keeps working with sharp cutting edges, but will also obviously alter the shape of the hone and shorten it's working life. Aluminum oxide hones/stones that don't shed grit will eventually tend to glaze (lose their sharp cutting edges) by wear, and they'll stop working almost entirely as a result. Most hones of these types will likely be intended for use with oil, though something like water or dish soap & water might also be used.


David