Thread: Hard Arkansas

LOL. Once done with this one I need to start on the big black from Dan's. I should be done by 2015 some time.

Originally Posted by cosperryan

Yeah that is exactly what I am trying to do. These stones are quite chippy on the bottom and sides as they are rough cut and not finished, so I am going to get some kind of resinous sealer to keep it from chipping anymore and also solve the porous issue. Then I am either going to use silicone or maybe a glass bed resin, or maybe plaster of paris.

Why do you need a release agent. Do you want to remove the stone from the resin bed?

Yes, I do not want it permanently affixed. I would like to be able to remove it if I want for cleaning or if I decide to sell it later I can do so with it being able to be in original condition.

Originally Posted by cosperryan

Yeah that is exactly what I am trying to do. These stones are quite chippy on the bottom and sides as they are rough cut and not finished, so I am going to get some kind of resinous sealer to keep it from chipping anymore and also solve the porous issue. Then I am either going to use silicone or maybe a glass bed resin, or maybe plaster of paris.

I used beeswax on a coticule without backing, i somewhat carve the wood so the stone would sit flat poured some melted wax in it set the stone and sealed the sides. If ever you need to remove the stone from the wood a quick trip in the oven.

Originally Posted by cosperryan

Yes, I do not want it permanently affixed. I would like to be able to remove it if I want for cleaning or if I decide to sell it later I can do so with it being able to be in original condition.

I would suggest you start with RTV and any of the release agents suggested. If it does not work out it will be a lot easier to remove than a hard resin. It will also identify any undercuts that would make it very difficult to remove the stone from a hard resin cast.

The beeswax also looks like a great idea.

I have enjoyed this thread very much. It's nice to see a resurgence in interest in these natural Arkansas stones. They are still available in good quantities, despite an inernet rumor I read; which said that the good veins were all gone, and that what is available now is of inferior quality to the old good stuff. Many of the old European hones are no longer being mined, but the Arkansas stones are definitely still being mined today.

Many pictures of nice hones have been posted in this thread. Hopefully this thread helps to dispell the notion that these stones can't do the job well.

Speaking of which, here is some info regarding my new translucent black. Which is pretty much harder than a witch's heart - I don't have any worries about it being of pretty good quality vs. the vintage stones.

I tried a few drops of oil known as Tap Magic yesterday on my black trans Ark and I couldn't even get it to cut! Had to wipe most of it back off so there was only a very thin smudge of oil on top of the stone - then it cut, very finely. I could only tell because when I wiped the stone with a white paper towel it came away blackish. I have a test piece that I use to compare stone finishes - I finished it with the SG20k and it was a very shiny bright mirror finish but a very fine scratch pattern can still be seen in the proper light at the proper angle. I then finished the same piece on the Ark with a smudge of Tap Magic and it removed ALL the scratches. The finish changed to more of a hazy mirror rather than a shiny one, and with a loupe I could see what looked like tiny pitting in the surface, almost like a loose grit lapped surface looks, but much tinier pits only visible under magnification. And it took a good while. I'll be trying it on a razor soon, will report back afterward.

Yeah this is like the longest thread on arks on this forum. I was going to say something about the seeming resurgence of arks. Its nice.

Quite frankly, I thought this thread would have been over a long time ago. I have enjoyed it immensely.

Still working on the translucent but even now it puts a real nice finish on a razor.

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

Just got back from Dans , met Dan and his son Sherlen got a tour and quite a few stories oh and picked up a super looking black Ark ,,my friend Glen is going to have a laugh at this, he knows I dont hone , heck he's had my Zulu for a few months ,but I couldn't help myself , if you get a chance this is a great stop while out on your bike, very nice people. And their history is fun to listen to. Dans a very interesting man. I'll get some pics up after I get in from the rally. Tc

Did you get back from the rally yet ? The old saying on SRP always has been pictures or it didn't happen ! ...........