How do you guys decide to buy a mystery hone? What are the tell tale marks that you look for?
Over the weekend I was at a nearby flea market. I picked up three nice DEs, but was hoping for straights or hones. I did find one hone but it was covered in black oil and I had no idea what it was. I pulled out my pocket knife to see if I could guess at grit - nothing but grease. It was fairly dished and about 6x1.5. The ends looked like they were cut so now I'm thinking it was a natural, at least. I put it back, but now I'm kicking myself. It might be worth the $5 just to put my mind at ease.
So in a similar situation, what would you do?
Oh, and no pictures. Sorry.
Over the weekend I was at a nearby flea market. I picked up three nice DEs, but was hoping for straights or hones. I did find one hone but it was covered in black oil and I had no idea what it was. I pulled out my pocket knife to see if I could guess at grit - nothing but grease. It was fairly dished and about 6x1.5. The ends looked like they were cut so now I'm thinking it was a natural, at least. I put it back, but now I'm kicking myself. It might be worth the $5 just to put my mind at ease.
So in a similar situation, what would you do?
Oh, and no pictures. Sorry.