stone identification

[dscheidt]

I have a sharpening stone that belonged to my father's grandfather.
It's a natural stone, but I know nothing about it beyond that it's very dirty.
Short of cleaning it, dressing it so it's flat again, and seeing what
it does to a piece of steel, is there some way to identify how hard it
is?

 

[Jeff Clark]

Clean it with a scrub brush, hot water, and dish cleanser (such as Comet). That may let you see what color it had originally. You won't be able to tell the brand, but if it is white or black stone it is probably an Arkansas stone. If it is a dark grey (nearly black) it is probably an artificial silicon carbide stone. If it is dark grey, but more grey than black, it is probably an artificial aluminum oxide hone. If it is orange-red it is probably a Norton brand India Stone (aluminum oxide).

Here is a chart that shows you a little bit about how the hones compare:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4723331#post4723331

 

[dscheidt]

Clean it with a scrub brush, hot water, and dish cleanser (such as Comet). That may let you see what color it had originally. You won't be able to tell the brand, but if it is white or black stone it is probably an Arkansas stone. If it is a dark grey (nearly black) it is probably an artificial silicon carbide stone. If it is dark grey, but more grey than black, it is probably an artificial aluminum oxide hone. If it is orange-red it is probably a Norton brand India Stone (aluminum oxide).

It's tanish, ranging from light khaki to quite a bit darker, with green flakes (some sort of verdigris).
Here's a pic. (1.3MB)

 

[Jeff Clark]

It looks kind of like a "soft washita Arkansas stone". This is a variety, not a brand. It is finer than most artificial aluminum oxide hones, but not as fine as a "hard Arkansas". Look at the green line on the chart in the link in my previous post. It cuts a little slow, but works well as a finish hone.

 

[Chosen-frozen]

Your father`s grandfather is your great grandfather. It`s English people. Learn it, love it, use it.

 

[Jeff Clark]

Chosen-frozen, In some cultures there is a big distinction between relatives on your father's side and your mother's side. Your father's grandfather is in a whole different category than your mother's grandfather. Even for us white bread Americans there can be a world of difference between great grandparents. My father's grandfather was raised in a mission/fort in indian territory, my mother's grandfather was raised in Denmark. One was bilingual in Northern Paiute and English, the other was bilingual in Danish and English. They were quite different people.

 

[dscheidt]

Your father`s grandfather is your great grandfather. It`s English people. Learn it, love it, use it.

One of my great-grandfathers, yes. Like everyone else, I've got four of them. He's my father's father's father. If nothing else, it means we have the same name.

 

[dscheidt]

It looks kind of like a "soft washita Arkansas stone". This is a variety, not a brand. It is finer than most artificial aluminum oxide hones, but not as fine as a "hard Arkansas". Look at the green line on the chart in the link in my previous post. It cuts a little slow, but works well as a finish hone.

Thanks, Jeff. I'll see if I can get it flat enough to use. It's over an inch thick, so it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Jeff Clark]

As long as you are not sharpening a broad flat surface like a chisel you don't need the hone flat. Try just using it as-is. Most of these hones are used with oil on them. Sometimes I use rubbing alcohol on mine.

 

[oldscrimmer]

I live in Arkansas and getting a stone is a piece of cake for me. I use scrap from their cutting pile. The natural name of the stone is novaculite of the quartz family. Your picture is in my opinion definitely an Arkansas Stone. The tan color places it about where Jeff mentioned, between soft and hard Arkansas. However, after you've thoroughly cleaned the stone as Jeff mentioned and after it's dry, hold the stone in your master hand and rub that thumb (pushing downward) over the surface. If you meet with a tad of resistance it's softer than if your thumb slips across without resistance. Resistance=soft Arkansas or Washita, little resistance=hard Arkansas. Bear in mind it's a natural material and will vary from one to another. Usually the hardest Arkansas stones are white, light gray, or black. Tan or with mottled colors are usually Washita....these are not iron clad rules it's a natural substance. Try it on your knife, if it works for you...doesn't matter what the name is.