Thread: Ebay Gamble

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 Marshal

What is this Chert Nagura of which you speak?

Single cell algae that secrete a hard shell composed of silicon dioxide. Later on it turns into quartz silica.

Where the hecek is Davew when you need him? How about you guys just drive over to Dans and see what he says about burnishing, he's got a few more years in it than most of us has been alive. Tc

Originally Posted by Marshal

What is this Chert Nagura of which you speak?

Post #38 Alien edge's- he mentioned chert , I was kinda joking about the chert nagura's as this chert would not be suitable for razors, too rough. I can be a smartazz sometimes.

Great looking stones Marshal, I vote Washita and a very good one at that.

EKretz and Alien Edge, I believe you are Both right in your thinking, so there, that ends the battle.