Thread: Norton Arkansas Oil Stone, Another question from a honing newbie

Mike

Ok, a dip not a hill. No problem, you just won’t be using all the stone on a pass. Two schools of thought one, flatten so you can use the whole stone. Or not, because you will waste all the stone you lap off just to gain an inch more stone surface. You can make up the difference with a couple of laps.

If it was me and if it’s smooth, just hone on it because, they aren’t making any more Old Black Arks.

Do plenty of laps they are hard and keep it wet.

I'll give it a go after I clean it.

If I use water / lather its the same technique as with a barbers hone? Just a swipe of lather? Or better to use the soapy water?

Either, the soap acts as a lubricant. I like the soapy water as you can have a bottle full to add more as needed. An Ark can take a little time to get an edge.