 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2011-04-07 12:32
I have found a sharpening stone in our large collection of musical miscellany, which belongs to my partner. He used it back in the day when he actually bothered to adjust his clarinet reeds. I would like to use it, but the problem is, I have no idea what it is or whether it is suitable for me.
I am hoping someone can identify what it might be based on description - and if you need any other information, I will do my best! It is rectangular and looks like two different stones joined together - a coarser grade on top (which is dark grey) and a smoother grade underneath (light grey). There are no other markings on the stone.
I know that certain stones are better than others for certain knives, so for my purposes (which is adjusting bought reeds) I have a Rigotti bevelled knife (which was the only reed knife I could find in Perth!)
Can anyone identify this stone by description alone, and if it is appropriate for my purposes, do I need a honing oil, and is there a specific one I should use?
Thanks!
Rachel
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Author: hautbois francais
Date: 2011-04-07 12:44
You know what, a picture is worth a thousand words. Try getting a photo and post here.
By process of elimination for you, I can help u by telling you that India stone (for oboe knives) has also the coarse and fine grade and combined in a rectangular shape and it is RED.
My gray stone at home is for kitchen knives and it is also fine and coarse grade combined and rectangular. Of course, the kitchen knives stone is far too rough for oboe knives.
Perhaps, Robin or someone would know how to grade the coarseness of the stone and tell you if you can use for oboe knives.
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Author: RobinDesHautbois
Date: 2011-04-07 15:30
That LOOKS - and I can be completely off track here - like a combination carburundum (coarse, uses oil) and some other water stone I use.... if you sharpen a knife dry on the smooth side, does it get all powdery like soapstone? If yes, I think its a water stone.
.... the very old 2-tone (red & yellow) water stone I have, I don't like it at all. I bought a new one from Lee Valley with a 1000 and 4000 grit, and I love it. But I still think ceramic or diamond the best.
Robin Tropper
M.A.Sc., B.Mus., B.Ed.
http://RobinDesHautbois.blogspot.ca/music
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Author: JMarzluf
Date: 2011-04-08 06:15
The old combination Carborundum stone I own is quite a bit darker in color (on both sides) than Oz's photo. They are no longer made, so I don't know if yours may be just a different model, or not a Carborundum.
In any case, I would recommend investing in a new stone that does not suffer from the condition issues displayed in your photo. An India stone won't break your bank, if you are just looking for a basic all-around good stone.
Jonathan
http://www.marzlufreeds.com/
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2011-04-09 10:49
It was worth a shot!
At any rate, I cannot find a sharpening stone at any of our music stores in Perth (I was lucky to even get the knife!), hence my eagerness to use what I had, but we have a very large surplus/disposal store near us (if that's not the term others use, its a military/camping/outdoors store). They have a large assortment of diamond and arkansas stones. What questions should I ask to make sure its appropriate for my uses, or is there a certain 'grade' I should ask for?
I would wait until I'm in the US in August to get one from a double reed store, but there is no way my knife will be useable by then. Alternatively, I could order from Forrests, who are always wonderful dealing with international orders, providing the shipping isn't too high.
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Author: hautbois francais
Date: 2011-04-09 11:21
http://ircalc.usps.gov/MailServices.aspx?country=10013&m=13&p=0&o=1&mt=13
A 5/8x2x5 in india stone, US to Australia, will go in a SMALL USPS (US Postal Service) global priority flat rate box (up to 4 lbs) for USD 13.25 for internet shipping and USD 13.95 if shipped from the Post Office.
Forrests is a good place to get the stone. Check out Midwest Musical Imports and compare the price. Sometimes they are cheaper.
Most of these places mark up on the shipping and some want the convenience to do their standard, whatever it is, UPS, USPS, Fedex etc. Perhaps, you can go on skype and call them for FREE because they have toll free numbers, and ask them if they'd do Global Priority Flat rat box. Then you save monies on the shipping.
Good luck !
Post Edited (2011-04-09 11:26)
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2011-04-10 00:39
I have a similar stone, two-tone like yours, but 'artificial' as in made of some amalgam; it's ancient and works great, wet or dry (!) and it's all I use. I sincerely doubt that this particular brand/kind is available at present, even tho' it's nothing fancy.
sorry I can't help with more details.
GoodWinds
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Author: jhoyla
Date: 2011-04-10 06:05
PLEASE do not sharpen your reed knife on the stone in your picture!
At least FLATTEN it first - look for this on websites, but easiest way is to stick fine sandpaper (or wet-and-dry) to a flat piece of thick glass and rub the stone flat on it. Rub diagonally, in both directions.
You cannot get a smooth, flat, sharp edge on a blade using a lumpy stone.
J.
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Author: Oboe42
Date: 2011-04-13 05:08
This looks like a water stone to me as well. I use the Japanese Water Stone that Forests sells on their website.
http://www.forrestsmusic.com/images/C-20.jpg
You don't need oil, just water and I find it does a great job of getting my knives sharp.
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