Posted 7 years ago
Inno
(2 items)
This appears to be a specialized sharpener, with a piece of slate inset into a walnut handle.
The whole tool is about 9" long and 4" wide. The stone sticks up about 7/8" and is about half an inch thick.
The handle is one piece of walnut, clearly hand-carved.
No maker's marks at all.
Can't find anything similar on google images etc.
Can anyone tell me more? I assume it's for sharpening a specific kind of tool.
Thanks.
From what I can see, I would say you have a hone rather than a sharpening stone. The stone would be a rather coarse grit or rough surface. The hone would be used after the stone to remove burrs and then depending on the tool, possibly a strop. This might have been used by anyone from a farmer to a meat cutter to a barber. Interesting design almost like an ulu and you will actually find similar pictures. I will post you a link below.
https://www.bidsquare.com/l/9/eskimo-knives-and-ulu
Another link that mentions slate being used.
http://toolsfromtheearth.com/eskimo-ulu-knife-womens-knife/
If you research it as an antique ulu you will find many images of ones quite similar that have been worn away and also tools to sharpen them.
Nice solve fhr !!! I would never have known what it was .
Thanks Manikin. In having another look I might also research it as an artifact also just for fun.