I've lapped more than a few of them myself at this point. They're not all the same, but it seems these whorly stones have a common denominator - that 'patch'. Although I get the reference, I don't want to say they're like La Grise or La Verte or a mix/blend/mashup.
More like - there are some vague similarities to what I know about the softer La Grise, but not the granular soft type and def not the harder La Grise - mostly the squishy greasy type which has traits similar to La Grosse Juane.
The Verte side of things is from the softer side of that vein too, but not the grainy type.
But the 'patch' in the LP is vaguely similar to the uber hard brownish Vertes that were speckled and had many lines.
But I've had 'crispy' Dressante with that feeling too. I think another stone that was unknown had that 'you're on concrete now' feeling in a spot or two.
The hard/soft thing is still a bit of a conundrum to explain. In a very loose description; lapping it, you think it's soft. Honing on it, you think it's hard. It's not hard or soft though. Just medium.
The Patch seems to be loaded with dots and I want to put that under the scope. I'm not cutting this stone for that and my stage isn't going to be happy with the weight.. so I have to go through the box of slurry stones to see if I can find one with those dots in it. It has a very prominent feeling that will probably make some kids wet their pants, but there is zero impact of any kind on the bevel or edge. None.
Scratch pattern is pronounced - but the edges are traditionally coti-esque.
My first edge off this stone was really a half-assed job and I doubted it all the way until the first pass. I shaved extremely well, shave lasted well and my face-feel was superb. Zero AS burn after (I shave at night) and no shampoo burn during the AM shower either.
Speed is slow to mid-range on standard honing slurry. Faster on heavier slurry but it never really gets fast. Sorta like LGJ in that way.
I'm not seeing any auto slurrying and I'm not sensing it either. But the stone sorta feels like it would do that. Which is weird.
Stupid easy Coti to use - really, it is - to me anyway. Water only laps - yeah, no problemo - no loss of undercut after 30 strokes and no weirdness after a bizillion water laps either. Tried it with soap - Dawn, which, on this stone, is awesome sauce. Not needed, a light touch will do the same thing for the edge, but honing on the right mix of Dawn/water on this stone is highly recommended for the fun factor.
