Spongy Stone?

[underaged!]

My mother found a sharpening stone under the kitchen sink while cleaning it out. I cleaned it up and tried to use it but when I put the water, it seemed to soak it right up... Never seeing this before I guessed that it might be and oil stone. Anyway it seemed to cut well and didn't clog. Also it didn't seem like the stone was any softer than the other stones I have.

It probably hasn't been used in years. Should I use it?

 

[shecky]

Every stone I've ever used was pretty porous. My biggest one lives outside on a workbench exposed to the elements, and needs to be constantly quenched with water as it just runs right through.

If your stone seems to be working well, then it is good to go.

 

[thombrogan]

If you like the scratch-pattern and how well it cuts, use it!

 

[HoB]

Actually, that sounds like a typical coarse to medium waterstone (medium ends for me at about 3000#). And you should most definitely try it out....who knows, maybe your mom stumbled upon a treasure!