Iodo on the hone stones you maybe be able to pull a lot of the oil out. I have done this with varying success in the past.
The method given to me by my grandfather is: Soak the stone is boiling hot water for a while (15-20 mins) then scrub with hot water and dish soap or old type lye soap. Allow to dry and see how it came out, I have repeated the process 2-3 time before it really worked well.
Grandpa was a knife sharpener in a meat packing house for many years, and always told me water was the best to use on my stones but being young an all I tried oil. Oh what a mess, and I wanted to get my favorite 2 stones back so grandpa came to help me out again...
Your rope fid seems nice, I have never used one for twisted rope before just on braided ropes. Where did you find your fid?
Peter Remling wrote:Instead of a hand cart or pony drawn cart, consider a pack saddle to carry goods and tools. It's very easy to make a pack saddle from some shaped wood slats, a moving blanket, some garment leather scraps , a steel ring about 2" in diameter and a piece of leather belt strap. I made one for a photo shoot years ago (that never happened). The pony wasn't available but making the pack saddle was very easy.
Peter on pack saddle, if planning on using pack saddles over any amount of time and with heavy packs, a well fitting pack saddle is great! Great pack saddles have to be able to form to the horses back or they can cause great pain to the animal. Also pack saddles are not limited to the equine relm, goats, alpacas, lamas, even dogs can carry a pack saddle, or pull small carts.
Really nice pack saddle design in one that flexes to fit the angle of the animals back. Similar to this one...
http://www.outfitterspackstation.com/fowisk.html I think I will be making one similar to this design for my personal dwarven kit, in the future when I get a pony, to go with Rosie.
Over all I love your kit Iodo!