Any idea

[Orangecrush1620]

Was wondering if anyone knew what kind of stone this is.

 

[mdbuntyn]

It's hard to tell, but if I had to guess I'd say a Soft Arkansas or Washita. Try cleaning it up by soaking it in mineral spirits and giving it a good scrub.

 

[bob vaughan]

Over the years I've had stones that looked like that. Often they are intended for straight razors or other non-woodworking related cutting edges.

 

[Orangecrush1620]

It's hard to tell, but if I had to guess I'd say a Soft Arkansas or Washita. Try cleaning it up by soaking it in mineral spirits and giving it a good scrub.
[/QUOTE

 

[Orangecrush1620]

I already gave it a good scrubbing, it use to be completely black. Thanks. I was just curious

 

[Orangecrush1620]

Over the years I've had stones that looked like that. Often they are intended for straight razors or other non-woodworking related cutting edges.

Ok. Thanks for the useful information. It was given to me and I was curious. Could it be used for sharpening woodworking related cutting edges? It's pretty smooth.

 

[Mike Davis]

Looks like noviculite from the mountains of Arkansas.

You could use it to sharpen marking knives, carving chisels, small plane blades, etc. But you need other grits to complete your set.

 

[Roy G]

Go ahead and sharpen something on it and see how the tool performs. Sometimes we tend to go above what is necessary for sharpening.

Roy G