Escher Hone/Stone, Germany (ULTIMATE HONE/STONE SUPERB CONDITION)

Product no.: 17
$629.99
Price incl. sales tax, plus delivery


629.99

Click on each photo for enlarged view

This is an Escher hone. All Escher hones were mined in Germany. This hone is in superb condition with a full flat working surface. Escher stones are known widely as the very best, the ultimate in straight razor finishing stones. This particular Escher stone is in perfect defect free condition with a freshly lapped working surface to insure an absolutely clean, flat and blemish free surface. This Escher has two labels, one on the box cover and one on the stone itself. Both labels are complete with no wearing off, and the writing on both labels is completely legible. The fact that this stone has no usual color ranking label on the stone's end is an indication that it was mined very early, i.e., early 1700's. Included with this stone is it's original box that is in ecxcellent condition. The size of this stone is 5" long X 1-1/2" wide X 5/8" thick. The smaller slurry stone is 1 1/2" long X 1/2" thick X 3/4" wide. Here is a translation of the stones label writing.

The two word at the top of the label, Hohenzollern Abziehsteine, translates to;
Hohenzollern translation, of or relating to a princely German family that reigned in Prussia from 1701–1918 and in Germany from 1871–1918.
Abziehsteine translation, whetstone. 

The rest of the writing on the label,
Diese vorzuglihea steine zeichnen sich 
aus durch ihrebesendere Feinheii zum Scharjen von 
Rasirmessern und sind hauptsachlich Fabrikanten von 
Rasirmessern u. Friseuren zu empfehlen. 
Nur acht mit meiner Unierschrift

Translates to,
These excellent stones are characterized 
by their superior fineness for sharpening 
razors and are mainly recommended for 
manufacturers of razors and hairdressers.

Side note:
Only eight with my university handwriting. Meaning that only eight of these particular stones, with this partuicular label had Escher's signature. Not sure if this meant there are/were only eight of these particular stones were made? Certainly it is quite rare and not produced anymore. All stones that followed these eight stones had differntly designed labels with the Escher signature. See Escher label history here, https://www.google.com/search?q=escher+stone&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=s4z2UYPQCImC9QSFh4GgBw&sqi=2&ved=0CCsQsAQ&biw=1520&bih=812

Like all Escher stones the working surface of this particular stone is a soft creamy smooth. This tight grained soft creamy smoothness is what gives a cutting edge it's highly polished very sharp, longer lasting cutting edge. Escher hones are known to be the very best finishing hones available. Most experts say Escher's will put a polished edge on a razor that will be a longer lasting cutting edge than any other hone. Escher stones were made by the Escher & Sohn company and were produced from 1709 to the early 20th century in Germany, when the mine played out. The general consensus regarding the grit of an Escher stone is about 15k but is a softer density than other stones of the same grit. Of worthy note is that when honing a razor some recommend moving as high as 12k before switching to an Escher so as to cause less wear on the Escher. Escher's are exceptional polishers. The use of an Escher as a finishing stone will wear well and will last a user a full lifetime as a finishing stone. Also, of note and worth mention here is the warning that Escher's are water stones and oil should not be used on Escher's. Escher's in this fine condition are hard to come by and prices are going up.

Accessories

Product Note Status Price
Coticule Hone (SUPERB CONDITION) Coticule Hone (SUPERB CONDITION)
$139.99 *
Dovo Hanging Strop (AESTHETICALLY LIKE NEW) Dovo Hanging Strop (AESTHETICALLY LIKE NEW)
$54.99 *
Schick, Repeating Type C-1 Razor (GOLD PLATED PERFECT CONDITION) Schick, Repeating Type C-1 Razor (GOLD PLATED PERFECT CONDITION)
$189.99 *
Swaty Hone (BEST BARBER TYPE HONE ~ FLAWLESS HONE) Swaty Hone (BEST BARBER TYPE HONE ~ FLAWLESS HONE)
$99.99 *
* Prices incl. sales tax, plus delivery
Display accessory details

Browse this category: Straight Razors, Sharpening Stones, Etc.