International shipping is always expensive when your products is a cold blue rock, so we figured we'll try and accommodate folks who have spent most of their 'shaving budget' on brews and bevies by accident (sacrilege, we know...these things happen)! In steps the skinny Zulu, they come in various sizes and some are cut transverse, but they perform just as well as the 'standard size' honing stone. Some have surfaces much larger than others, so be careful in your selection and keep in mind we need a few grams for packaging, so don't cut it too close to the kilogram if shipping cost is a concern.
The Zulu Grey stone is a natural honing stone that is produced in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. As with most natural stones, they do not have grit values as such, but rather certain properties/attributes. The Zulu Grey and Silkvein stones are respectively used during the finishing and mid-range stadiums of honing. In working with the stones I have noticed some produce a slurry faster than others, so we will keep tabs on the stones and see if we can identify slight differences in performance based on customers feedback. It polishes up to a mirror like finish and will produce good results once you find the best method of using the stone, and also where it fits into your sharpening regime. I have had good results using with a slurry as final progression, and also when used with clean water/mineral oil to dress or revive a dulling edge, I'd follow with a diamond spray on one or the other medium and finally a solid stropping on clean leather.
As with all natural stones there are many variables, and no two stones are alike in appearance. The stone composition will never be quite the same as any other, there may be natural cavities, surface cracks or edges that are not perfect, but all stones are purpose ready. The stones have been lapped and are flat and ready to be used, even though there may be some marks, spots or various textures on the working surface. There will be no critical structural defects on any of these stones, and all stones will deliver many years, or decades worth of honing. All stones have been flattened by means of an Atoma #140 on a rotating disc, and then dressed again with an Atoma #1200. There might very well be marks and scratches from this process that will work away as the stone gets used over time.
If you want a photograph of the specific stone you will receive, feel free to drop us a Whatsapp/Telegram message or an e-mail and we will snap some pics/video for you.
We will post more reviews, info and findings of these products as they they find their way into customers hands and as we receive feedback.
Product of KZN, South Africa. Size 304 x 88 x 10 mm. Weight 574 grams. Huge working area on this streaky fella!