Not all oilstones are equal

It is always a pleasure to be treated to a glimpse into a previously unknown world. Just like going through the wardrobe into Narnia, the visits to my late father-in-law's tool collection have been an eye-opener. Today, it was in the company of a family friend and third-generation joiner. He and I spent no less than 5 hours in the workshop, pouring over things I knew nothing about, and with his endless questions of "What do you think this is for?". And you have to remember that in many cases "this" was a disembodied part of some unknown tool. But eventually things started to fall into place, though the vagaries of local dialects sometimes defeated me.

So, onto the star of the show. No, not the beautifully made brass holder for razor blades for blood-letting of infected sheep (I kid you not). Or the push-stick, for safely pushing pieces of wood into a planing machine (to help ensure your fingers are retained at the optimum number of ten).

No, it's the Lily White Washita Oil Stone, made by Pike Manufacturing of Arkansas. A quick Google will reveal endless articles in woodworking magazines drooling over the rare Lily White Washita. And I've got one. Still in its wooden box. And still in its original wrapper. What more could a man ask for?