Thread: Ebay Gamble

Well, in my line of work there have been times where I've had to modify and make a tool fit the job because either A: I need the tool now and can't wait until Wednesday for the tool truck. B:the 'right' tool exceeds the reach of my wallet, or I can't justify $300 for a Mercedes specific tool that I may use once a year or even once in a lifetime. C: It simply doesn't exist. So I've learned to alter what I've got and make due as necessary.

With that I ask this - if you have a hone that isn't bound to wood, why wouldn't you want to extend it's range? Especially in the case of burnishing a Black/translucent Arkansas, which will allow for a finer edge than they're already capable of? You would still have an unburnished face that behaves exactly the same it does now, with the added benefit of a side that gives a still sharper edge than that. From my perspective that seems like a win/win situation.

Originally Posted by Marshal

With that I ask this - if you have a hone that isn't bound to wood, why wouldn't you want to extend it's range? Especially in the case of burnishing a Black/translucent Arkansas, which will allow for a finer edge than they're already capable of? You would still have an unburnished face that behaves exactly the same it does now, with the added benefit of a side that gives a still sharper edge than that. From my perspective that seems like a win/win situation.

I do extend the range by turning the stone over and having a fresh side to hone on with out getting up to clean the stone. I use both sides, but for the same purpose. As for as creating a finer side of the stone by burnishing it on one side I just don't buy into it . You can not change the size of the pores in that Arkie you can only clog them to the point where they stop cutting well.

That's not correct. By burnishing/polishing the surface of the stone, the microscopic high points, or peaks, are removed. This means that the stone produces shallower scratches, which is the entire point of using finer stones to finish a straight razor. BTW, I probably wouldn't burnish a soft Ark either, but I wouldn't denigrate anyone who would. More power to anyone who wants to do experimentation. My personal feeling is that the burnish is most useful to get even better edges from a translucent or black Ark than what they produce otherwise.

Also, the Arks you are currently using are already burnished through use if they are reflecting. That reflection is the surface of the stone that has had the peaks worn down through use. The Arks don't give up much material during use, but some does break away and over time the surface smooths out. So in effect, you do buy into it - and your stone is already burnished.

There aren't really any pores to speak of in a black or translucent Ark either - the specific gravity of quartz/SiO2 is about 2.65 - and so is the density of a good black/translucent Ark. Conclusion - there isn't really any free space/porosity.

Novaculite is a compact quartzose rock of all most pure silica content. The technical advantages of the natural Arkansas oil stone are derived from the crystalline structure of individual quartz grains comprising more than 99% of novaculite rocks. Voids and exposure of crystalline edges enhance the sharpening ability of this natural abrasive. Also I am not denigrating anyone who chooses to do what ever they want with their stone. I personally choose not to alter my things they work fine the way they were when they came into my possession.

Originally Posted by eKretz

That's not correct. By burnishing/polishing the surface of the stone, the microscopic high points, or peaks, are removed. This means that the stone produces shallower scratches, which is the entire point of using finer stones to finish a straight razor. BTW, I probably wouldn't burnish a soft Ark either, but I wouldn't denigrate anyone who would. More power to anyone who wants to do experimentation. My personal feeling is that the burnish is most useful to get even better edges from a translucent or black Ark than what they produce otherwise.

Also, the Arks you are currently using are already burnished through use if they are reflecting. That reflection is the surface of the stone that has had the peaks worn down through use. The Arks don't give up much material during use, but some does break away and over time the surface smooths out. So in effect, you do buy into it - and your stone is already burnished.

There aren't really any pores to speak of in a black or translucent Ark either - the specific gravity of quartz/SiO2 is about 2.65 - and so is the density of a good black/translucent Ark. Conclusion - there isn't really any free space/porosity.

(SiO2) Silcon Dioxide is rock called chert. One of the differences Chert and Novaculite is composed mainly of chalcedony while Novaculite is composed mainly of microcrystalline quartz grains.

Voids and free space aren't there in a black or translucent Ark. Not enough to do anything anyway. I can see single digit micron scale with my scope and there are no pores visible on any of my black or translucent stones. SiO2, quartz, silica, silicon dioxide - these are all the same thing in slightly different physical form. There are pores/free space in the less dense Ark stones I.E. Washita - and those are certainly influencing cutting properties.

What difference does it make Gent's???? as long as you get to the edge Keenness you desire?

Yeah, I have a mountain of Chert Naguras under foot if anyone wants some.

Originally Posted by FAL

What difference does it make Gent's???? as long as you get to the edge Keenness you desire?

Yeah, I have a mountain of Chert Naguras under foot if anyone wants some.

What is this Chert Nagura of which you speak?

Originally Posted by eKretz

Voids and free space aren't there in a black or translucent Ark. Not enough to do anything anyway. I can see single digit micron scale with my scope and there are no pores visible on any of my black or translucent stones. SiO2, quartz, silica, silicon dioxide - these are all the same thing in slightly different physical form. There are pores/free space in the less dense Ark stones I.E. Washita - and those are certainly influencing cutting properties.

Take a look at this page in the right hand side you will see a picturre of three arkies read below the picture about the the space and pores and loading .
Novaculite: Used for making stone cutting tools and sharpening metal blades.

Originally Posted by AlienEdge

Take a look at this page in the right hand side you will see a picturre of three arkies read below the picture about the the space and pores and loading .
Novaculite: Used for making stone cutting tools and sharpening metal blades.

From your link:

“Washita Stone” has the appearance of unglazed porcelain, a porosity of several percent and serves as a good stone for coarse sharpening. An extremely fine-grained material known as “Arkansas Stone” has almost NO porosity and is an excellent tool for honing a razor-sharp blade.

(Emphasis mine).

Burnishing is not a big deal. One can wait for the stone to burnish on its own through use or do it right away to prep for razor use. Either way, a worn-in stone works best for comfortable shaving razor edges from black or translucent Arks.