Thread: Ridding an Arkansas Stone of Oil.

I was unimpressed with the performance of the J.Smith Ark I recently posted.

The process of cleansing the Arkansas stone of oil; using boiling hot water and 2 dishwasher power balls.





After 1 hr, the dishwasher power balls have lost their effectiveness within the oil cleansing process. The following photo shows the oil residue that's already released from the stone.



The process needs to be repeated again to further rid the stone of oil. The contaminated water has to be emptied out, cleaned out with dishwasher detergent, and refilled with boiling hot water, ready for 2 fresh dishwasher power balls.



To slow down the loss of temperature within the water, seal the top of the container. Check again in 1 hrs time. Note any further loss of oil from the stone via the appearance of the water. Repeat a 3rd time if its deemed necessary.

An update on the oil cleansing process. I noticed that some oil had been trapped on the underside of the stone during the 2nd round.
I opted for a 3rd round lasting only 30 min, this time making sure that I gently lifted the stone from side to side within its water bath to allow the loose oil to rise to the top of the water.

A few important comments to add; if the stone is not Novaculite within its structure, it may not survive without cracking after being submerged in boiling water. That being the case, it would be better to lower the temp of water. Also, make sure that the bottom of the stone be raised slightly above the bottom of the container to allow the water bath to better penetrate all sides of the stone. A couple of short brass or stainless steel rods would do the trick. Rinse the stone in fresh clean water and dry at the end of the cleansing process.

The following photos shows the stones colour change after completing the oil cleansing process.

After the 1st bath;


After the 3rd and final bath;


I will update the forum on my findings of the oil free Arkansas stone when water is used as the lubricant.

StewieS;

What sort of Ark is it?

http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...tone-post.html

After seeing it cleaned up, it looks more like one of the soft Arkansas stones that I have. That might also explain the porosity since hard arks, trannies, and blacks do not tend to soak up as much oil as the softs and washitas.

There is no valid reason why Washita's and Arkansas stones should be designated as oil stones. There is only 1 natural stone that I am aware of that requires oil as the lubricant, and that's a Hindostan because of its iron ore properties.

Originally Posted by StewieS

There is no valid reason why Washita's and Arkansas stones should be designated as oil stones. There is only 1 natural stone that I am aware of that requires oil as the lubricant, and that's a Hindostan because of its iron ore properties.

Actually there is a valid reason as to why most use Arkansas stone with oil, its because they just perform better. That said if you were unhappy with oil, using with water will more then likely decrease its performance.

Martin; I will find out tomorrow if this particular Ark performs better with water than oil. Not overly confident its worthwhile posting the results on this forum, as you guys most likely wont want to accept the results if the water turns out more favourable.

StewieS.

I'd be interested to hear how it works out for you.

I use water with all my Arks. Smith’s water soluble Honing Solution and Ballistol, work exceptionally well and wash off with soapy water.

You will find a small, but passionate group of Ark users here. Most use water and Smith’s or Ballistol

For about 5 bucks you can pick up an oval slow cooker, put your stone in with a solution of degreaser, Dawn dish soap, Awesome or Simple Green. Lay the stone on a couple pieces of bamboo chop sticks and let it cook. It will remove the bulk of the surface oil, after soaking and scrubbing, with Oven Cleaner.

It can take months of soaking to remove all the oil from an Ark, it took many years to get in. I have soaked stones that looked like yours and turned out to be Lilly Whites. It took month of soaking. Sunlight works surprisingly well also.