Thread: suggested honing sequence using Arkansas oil stones

Recently, I purchased three Arksansas oil stones. I have read on SRP about synthetic pyramids, but not much regarding Arkansas oil stones. What would be the best sequence to follow? I have a soft,hard, and transclucent set. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

This question may be better suited in the honing section, but I'll give it a try. Most razor hones are of the water kind and not oil. You will probably find that even after establishing a good bevel with the Ark. hones (up to the fine) you will still have a rough shave. I would look into the honing section and do a seach for more info.

Good luck and enjoy every stroke of the razor, good or bad, at least it's different.

PM me razorman...i'd be glad to tell ya how i hone with Arkansas, if your interested.

Mac

Originally Posted by McWolf1969

PM me razorman...i'd be glad to tell ya how i hone with Arkansas, if your interested.

Mac

Hi Mac: I would like hear how you hone with your Arkansas stones. Please post it here or send me a PM. Thanks!

Hi razorman,

I too hone with an Arkansas stone as the finishing stone. There doesn't seem to be anything special about it; After all Novaculite is just another form of abrasive. I generally use mine with water or even dry, at the end of a linear progression. Using the pyramid system would work fine as well. As you would with any system or hones, just remember to use very, very light pressure for the last few strokes.

I mean light.

Really, really light.

As in holding the razor up so that you're applying less than the weight of the blade.

When you're sure that you're using light enough passes, try to go even lighter still.

Cheers,
Jeff

P.S. Did I mention that you should use really, really reaaallllly light pressure?

.

Now even I heard it!
Perfect advice altogether.

I used to have a Wash*ta and a hard arkansas when I was in my teens and I could get a pocket knife to shave arm or leg hair. I haven't had one one in years and use waterstones for razors.

Here is an old post by a fellow who used to be around here and is missed my me and maybe some others. I don't know much about Arkansas stones for razors but remembered reading this some time back.