Arkansas Hone

G'day SRP members & guests.

Found this listing on ebay and need an expert opinion on it.

Arkansas Sharpening Stone - Hard - Fine 7" - eBay (item 360341933590 end time Jul-04-11 17:13:57 PDT)

I have had a look in Hones section to see if this hone is listed in Hone Reviews.
I saw no entry so I need to ask the members about it.

Firstly has anybody used one of these ?
What is the approximate grit size ?
Are they value for money ?
How do they perform in honing duties ?
Are they fast cutting as claimed ?

Thanks for you time

Rick

WHile some Arkansas stones are ok for straights (very few), they are typically not for us. They are affordable yes, but better suited for kitchen cutlery or pocket knives. Stick with the Norton, Naniwa, or Shapton's is my recommendation since you are asking...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RickyBeeroun222

Firstly has anybody used one of these ? Yup, That's all I used 28 years ago, until I bought waterstones. Never looked back.
What is the approximate grit size ? Unknown & irrelevant. eg Coticules have large particles but can still finish a razor nicely.
Are they value for money ? Depends if you're time rich & money poor hehe
How do they perform in honing duties ? Verrrrrry slowly
Are they fast cutting as claimed ? Actually she doesn't say they're fast "This stone is not used for fast sharpening of your knife". Another keyword is "knife" IME a Black Hard Arky works ok for razors but I'd bet London to a brick this one isn't a razor finisher.

Thanks for you time

Rick

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G'day Rick. The price may be attractive but you're better off spending a bit more on what will likely become a lifetime investment.
If you just want a cheap touch up stone, a good barber hone may be the shot. Mind you some of the "good" ones would fetch more than a good synthetic 12k.

Thanks for all your input guys
I will be giving this a wide berth
Saving my pennies for Naniwa hones at present

Rick, 'just chiming in and thinking you made a wise decision about passing on the Arkie. I've done a few blades on an old translucent arkie & it gave very keen edges (not particularly smooth). I can't add to what shooter & Oz have said - I think they nailed it well. I've benefited greatly from their help also.

One member was so convinced that I'd love the Nani 12k, he bought one and had it sent to me. (God help me if he discovers jnats or eschers!). I have to say, its alot of bang for the buck. Its FAST, and effective. I'd have been much better off to have started w/ the Nani12 than the c12k.