Thread: An Arkansas Stone Question

Does any one know how to distinguish the difference between a Washita and a Soft Arkansas?

basically a washita works as a bevel setter for me personally .ymmv.washita stones are the lightest in specific gravity also.2.25 or less.CAM

Yes, I know what it is I just really want a way to tell the difference.
The density test for sure but my attempts are varied at best without an expensive tester. Really looking for another way.

Alright ,if you have at least two stones (that you know are softs ) lay them on their sides and the questionable washita side by side on a scale,next take a 16 penny nail and using exactly the same pressure by watching the scale score the side of the softs.next try the same with the washita .the washita will be much softer/score deeper.

Originally Posted by Blistersteel

Alright ,if you have at least two stones (that you know are softs ) lay them on their sides and the questionable washita side by side on a scale,next take a 16 penny nail and using exactly the same pressure by watching the scale score the side of the softs.next try the same with the washita .the washita will be much softer/score deeper.

Wow, now there's a great idea. Sometimes, just sometimes, I feel really stupid for not thinking of the simplest things.....

That deserves a real thanks.

Or hone a blade on one stone, put a sharpie mark in the middle and do 2 or 3 laps on the toe half of the blade, then look at them.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

Or hone a blade on one stone, put a sharpie mark in the middle and do 2 or 3 laps on the toe half of the blade, then look at them.

Another good one.....

Now, what if you don't have the stone and want to tell the difference visually?

here's the problem ,this stone is a soft Arkansas .to the casual observer it looks like a possible surgical black,however it definitely is a true soft.one clue is the worm grooves in its surface.I hope you can see them?

And no I know they aren't really worm grooves.

here's a true surgical black.