Charnley Forest

Charnley Forest Slate is one of the most famous and rare stones from the UK. Unlike most of the famous English shale mined in different parts of North Wales, Charnley Forest is from the central part of England. The main stone mining site for Charnley Forest was Sorrel Mountain in Leicestershire, near the Charnwood Forest (Charnwood Forest, Mount Sorrel, Leicestershire). Moreover, they are known as the industrial developments of this shale, such as the Whittle Hill quarry, and individual deposits scattered throughout the forests and marshes of the area.


Charnley Forest is a gray slate, usually with characteristic blotches in the form of reddish streaks and spots. Sometimes there are darker specimens without streaks or, on the contrary, stones with whitish, yellowish and greenish spots. The stone has medium hardness, it does not absorb coolant, therefore it can be used both with oil and with water, and allows for smooth oil-water transition. When working with water, Charnley Forest produces a rich suspension of grayish-white hue, which significantly increases the removal rate of the metal. The stone is positioned as working in the equivalent of 6000-8000 grit with water and 8000-10000 grit with oil. It has a high abrasive ability (higher than, for example, jasper and even Translucent Arkansas), however, it gives a very high surface finish and easily copes with the processing of almost any steel, even the hardest. Traditionally, Charnley Forest sharpening bars are more often used as finishing tools for working with razors, but they are also great for working with knives and other cutting tools.

Сharacteristics: 

• Form factor: 6" Mounted
  
• Backing: Mounted on aluminum blank
  
• Working Surface: 153 x 23mm (6" x 0.9")
  
• Total Thickness: 9.2mm
• Abrasive Material: Natural Stone
• Material Thickness: 6mm
• Material Origin: UK
• Routine: Water
• Grit Rating: Ultra fine
• Grit Scale: Estimated Grit