[ProfessorChaos!]

I think this is a fine and generous idea. If you have read my comments on Old_School's hones, you already know that I think they are as good as it gets. The bees' knees. Not only would this expose more people to the hones, but allow those who can't or don't wish to afford one the chance to enjoy its results long after the hone has been shipped to the next user.

I do like the idea of charging a "smallish" rental fee and limiting participation to well known/respected members. Each does a small part to mitigate risk on O_S' part. Additionally, if the participants are all reasonably skilled with a hone, it might be reasonable to expect that the hone will only be lapped when absolutely required.