Thread: What are they?

I went to that site from a link on Tim Zowdas site. Was wondering the same thing.

Well I guess they are the true mystery hone. Nobody seems to have used them or know what they are. Maybe I'll email and ask for some more details.

It don't even say the size of them.

So I emailed Howard and he said he didn't realize the info was missing. He said they are quarried in pakistan and that the cutting elements are silica and aluminum oxide. He said they are fast and need to be soaked for only 5 minutes. He said they auto slurry and that a lot of knife makers use them and some razor guys. I am guessing they are 8x3 but still no mention about size.

Arkansas stones can be used with water I've heard but most use honing oil.

Dan's Arkansas Whetstones
Natural Whetstone Company

I have used both with Arkansas stones. I prefer water because there is less mess but I have found that oil works the best to give a fantastic edge. It is best, if using oil, to soak the stone before use, the same as water stones.

Originally Posted by guitstik

I have used both with Arkansas stones. I prefer water because there is less mess but I have found that oil works the best to give a fantastic edge. It is best, if using oil, to soak the stone before use, the same as water stones.

I would think the oil soak would work best with the soft Arkansas? The hard black or the translucent are so hard that I would think the oil soaking would almost useless. True or not? I am new to Arkansas stones.