As I understand it, these are bad news for honing. I'm starting to wonder if my 8x3 might not have them. It's from the "La Petite Blanche" layer & the figuring carries over to the surface. (It's a select grade.) What could be quartz (3-4 dots, the biggest being 2-3 mm wide)looks almost transparent, but I can't be sure. This hone has a lot of chittering if a slurry has been raised, and it's not necessarily in the area of the big [possible inclusion], but it could be from the others.
I'm not sure if it's due to inclusions or just the character of the stone. FWIW I've gotten a Sheffield wedge to the point on this stone where it leaves absolutely nothing to be desired; it's my best shaver by a fair bit. My SRP TI now shaves well straight off the stone, but it's a finicky blade. One other really troublesome razor I haven't shave tested yet.
I'm just hoping it's not quartz. I think that would necessitate frequent lapping to keep it from ruining edges. I'll post a pic if I can get a clear one that doesn't go over the size limits.
I'm not sure if it's due to inclusions or just the character of the stone. FWIW I've gotten a Sheffield wedge to the point on this stone where it leaves absolutely nothing to be desired; it's my best shaver by a fair bit. My SRP TI now shaves well straight off the stone, but it's a finicky blade. One other really troublesome razor I haven't shave tested yet.
I'm just hoping it's not quartz. I think that would necessitate frequent lapping to keep it from ruining edges. I'll post a pic if I can get a clear one that doesn't go over the size limits.