Blue Belgian slate BBW 150x25x6mm

Blue slate BBW Apex (Blue slate BBW 150x25x6 mm on the blank) Belgian blue stone (Belgian Blue Whetstone or simply BBW) - natural garnet shale - is a mixture of shale and sandstone and contains garnet grains ranging in size from 10 to 25 microns to 25% of the volume of the stone. The characteristic blue-violet hue of the stone is given by the iron oxide present in its composition. BBW is compared with artificial stones with a grain size of 4000 grit in the Japanese classification of synthetic abrasives, although here, of course, a complete analogy cannot be drawn. BBW (Belgian Blue Whetstone) - designed for finishing and finishing knives, cutting tools and straight razors Blue slate bars are recommended for use with clean water. BBW has a very low percentage of water absorption, we can say that it practically takes it, but like all slates, a suspension can be applied to its working surface, on which sharpening should be done. These stones can also be worked with oil, although the use of oil coolants is not recommended by the manufacturer. Belgian blue stone has a unique combination of speed and surface finish that cannot be achieved with other stones. Garnet grains, which represent a dodecahedron in the crystal lattice, due to their hardness provide a quick removal of metal, and their rounded shape gives a high degree of polishing of the metal being processed. The combination of speed and quality of work, as well as the absence of burr when sharpening, is the hallmark of Belgian blue slate. The geometric shape of the garnet crystals is identical to Coticule, but BBW contains lower concentrations of garnet and the grain is larger. Because of this, BBW is somewhat slower than Coticule. But BBW has a higher hardness (about 4 - 4.5 units on the Mohs scale) than Coticule, which allows you to effectively use Belgian blue slate in conjunction with suspensions of other stones and various nagura. Initially, BBW was used simply as a reinforcing backing for the softer, more brittle yellow coat. But, having appreciated the grinding properties of the blue stone, they began to use it independently for the finishing operations of finishing blades, metalwork cutting tools and dangerous razors. Blind tests of razors sharpened on yellow Belgian slate (Yellow Coticule) and Belgian blue stone (Belgian Blue Whetstone) showed exactly the same results. Belgian blue stone is rightfully included in the galaxy of the best natural abrasives. It works equally well on both carbon and stainless (chromium) steels, shows excellent results on Damascus, high speed and powder steels. With BBW, very hard steels well above 60 HRC can be honed effectively. At the same time, the stone does not leave marks on the approach, but a pattern with a characteristic dot structure. The BBW finish gives the cutting edge a high cutting aggressiveness and exceptional resistance to blunting. The stone is very generous with the RK, regardless of the hardness of the steel of the blade. Working with Belgian blue stone gives a very pleasant tactile response and leaves a very good impression. This stone can be recommended as a finishing stone in various sharpening sets for a wide range of applications. Country of origin BelgiumManufacturer Ardennes CoticuleMaterial Blue Belgian slate Recommended coolant pure water