What do I have ?

[edler9]

This stone is from a country doctor's bag. The man was a "horse and buggy doctor" during the 20's in a rural community. The stone measures 2x4x7/8 inches. I assume it was used to sharpen scalpels and needles. The dark side is a maroon color and seems more coarse than the white side. Both sides are very fine grit, again the white being finer (and also softer) than the maroon. There are scratches on both sides. It appears to me to be natural stone of some sort. The stones do not have any curve or belly on them from being used, they appear very flat other than edge chips.

My questions are:

1) Any idea of the type of stone this might be ?
2) Where would they fall in the line up for use ? Should they be used dry or wet ?
3) Any ideas if these could be rehabilitated to remove the scratches, or would it be necessary ?

I know it's pretty hard to tell much from photos, but I thought maybe somebody had seen something like these before.

Thanks to anyone who might be able to help me out on these mystery stones.

Mike

 

[HeavyHanded]

A quick guess off the bat is that it is a Belgian coticule. The maroon stone on the bottom might be there just to provide support or it might be another grinding stone. The coticule I used to own was backed with slate, but the previous owner did attempt to use it for sharpening nonetheless based on the scratches and dings.

If a coticule it is best used with a few drops of water - would be pretty fine in terms of grit. They are natural stones so tough to say for sure but generally in the 6k to 8k JIS.

 

[edler9]

Thanks for the response, Heavy Handed. I never considered that the darker stone may be a backer, but it makes sense.

Is there any way to dress the coticule for use, or is it needed ?

 

[HeavyHanded]

Thanks for the response, Heavy Handed. I never considered that the darker stone may be a backer, but it makes sense.

Is there any way to dress the coticule for use, or is it needed ?

Its a fine finish grade waterstone. Straight razor folks will have more for you on some of the other forums. They are often used with another small piece of coticule to make a thin mud for more rapid grinding and presumably to condition the surface. It could be lapped with another stone such as a diamond plate if it is dished or whatnot, but can probably be used just the way it is. They don't need a soak, just a little water, maybe a drop of liquid soap as well. They are fairly expensive, is a nice find.

 

[David Martin]

I agree. ^ Use as is. I'm thinking it's a backing as well. It will cut better than a Black Arkansas and leaves a finer edge. Use it for razors or carbon steels, not vanadium steels. DM