oilstone colours

[tanii51]

weekly garage sale rounds have brought home an oilstone for 2 dollars, which is a darker brown for the course side and lighter brown ( coffee colour)for fine side any hints on what stones these are

[China]

Sound like India stones, if they are in good condition it was a good buy, they were originaly advertised as the replacement for natural stones, they last very well and produce a fine edge

[tanii51]

i think you are right its very similar to these http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?ttl=Norton%20India%20Stones&srch=eqCATE%20CODEdatarq%3Dno%26eqWWWCAT_2datarq%3Dindia
and yes its had very little use

[soundman]

It could be any of a number of man made stones.

the norton ones were typicaly black & tan..well dark gray and redish brown.

there have been a number of reputable manufactures and even more chepo's.

cheers