While sorting through a HUGE pile of boxes that belonged to my father-in-law, I came across a dusty bin full of old dies, wrenches, and this interesting little sharpening stone. It was nearly black, caked with grime and dust from many years. I carefully cleaned it up, revealing a vintage label: "Soft Arkansas Oil Stone"—with a brand I recognized as Pike. Very cool. It's always nice to find an old sharpening stone with the labeling intact. Brief history: In the 1830's, the Pike company in New Hampshire began supplying sharpening stones and equipment in North America. They expanded and quarried from a number of locations, including near Hot Springs, Arkansas, which soon became their 'standard.' In 1932, Norton purchased Pike to form the 'Norton Pike' company. This history helps in at least placing this old oil stone before the merger. Close up of the Label: "For Wood Carvers-Tool makers and Mechanics" The logo at left has faded, and the little cameo on the right as well. This is what they looked like originally: It's a smallish (2.0 x 3.875"),wedge-shaped stone that fits comfortably in the palm… Back side: quite smooth to the touch. According to the Norton site, their 'Soft Arkansas Oil Stone' has a grit value of 400-600. This one feels quite smooth, although porous so I'm not sure of the TRUE grit value on this old stone. I'm not ready to drag a good razor across it, but I am tempted to find one that needs a chip removed or needs some shaping. Still a pretty neat little vintage oil stone.
