Thread: Black arkansas vs Translucent

I have dealt with Dan's many times and if it were me, instead of asking the forum here, I would call them and let them guide me into the right purchase. They are very knowledgeable and can be trusted. I have NEVER been disappointed with their products or customer service. They will be upfront and at the same time bend over backwards to make you happy. Even though they deal with companies and international orders they pride themselves on satisfaction of the individual and it shows. That's just how I would do it though.

Originally Posted by Steel

I have dealt with Dan's many times and if it were me, instead of asking the forum here, I would call them and let them guide me into the right purchase. They are very knowledgeable and can be trusted. I have NEVER been disappointed with their products or customer service. They will be upfront and at the same time bend over backwards to make you happy. Even though they deal with companies and international orders they pride themselves on satisfaction of the individual and it shows. That's just how I would do it though.

I heartily agree with you. Dan' Whetstones is my preferred place to purchase such. No criticism here. But they have changed some wording, apparently in the last year, on their website. Some of their category headings on their Bench Stones page are different, and differ on their Questions & Info page. Can be confusing. I understand they are a small company and had a fire not long ago. Their website could use some updating. They have my support and business.

Dans will steer you right, I spent an afternoon with Dan and his son, and I definantly asked the difference. Dan said they are the same in performance just one is lighter in appearance. as said just call they will help you out in your purchase, and if you can go there you wont be disappointed they love to give tours, tell stories and they got a big translucent out in the parking lot that I was trying to figure out how to get on my bike! Tc

There are blacks with white streaks and translucent with black streaks and some, grey almost translucent stones.

They are very close and many say, the same in performance.

The white lines on the sides and bottom are not scratches, they are Translucent veins.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

There are blacks with white streaks and translucent with black streaks and some, grey almost translucent stones.

They are very close and many say, the same in performance.

The white lines on the sides and bottom are not scratches, they are Translucent veins.

I've got a small (2x5) stone. Looks pitch black, but it has a silvery streak in there kind of like the white swoop in the bottom right of your center picture. I thought it was a Black Arkie until curiosity about that silvery inclusion led me to put a light up to it. Pretty sure it's actually a translucent. Leaves one heck of an edge, but just a little too small for my liking.

Unfortunately shipping from Dan's is way too high. It's not their fault at all. I had an order placed but sadly it had to be cancelled. The cost to get something across the border is disgusting. Might as well drive down to Arkansas would cost less. The lady I was emailing was very nice and polite and even helpful. I could tell she felt bad but there was nothing she could do.

Originally Posted by S0LITARYS0LDIER

Unfortunately shipping from Dan's is way too high. It's not their fault at all. I had an order placed but sadly it had to be cancelled. The cost to get something across the border is disgusting. Might as well drive down to Arkansas would cost less. The lady I was emailing was very nice and polite and even helpful. I could tell she felt bad but there was nothing she could do.

My guess is that was Kim. If it was she has been very patient and helpful with me in the past. The shipping is something I didn't even consider. What a shame! Maybe You and TC can plan a trip and get that big translucent. Go big or stay home right?

Originally Posted by Steel

My guess is that was Kim. If it was she has been very patient and helpful with me in the past. The shipping is something I didn't even consider. What a shame! Maybe You and TC can plan a trip and get that big translucent. Go big or stay home right?

Kim is an excellent ambassador for the company. She goes out of her way to provide exceptional service. Great folks there.

Originally Posted by S0LITARYS0LDIER

Unfortunately shipping from Dan's is way too high. It's not their fault at all. I had an order placed but sadly it had to be cancelled. The cost to get something across the border is disgusting. Might as well drive down to Arkansas would cost less. The lady I was emailing was very nice and polite and even helpful. I could tell she felt bad but there was nothing she could do.

Yeah shipping has gone crazy. Have a look on ebay Canada. You can quite often get a good vintage Ark for less than new and if it's local will be cheaper post for sure. The older ones are usually 1" thick too, just in case you wear it out...

This trans I bought recently has banding in just about every color: greenish, brownish, grayish, blackish with cream layers. It's a beautiful stone that I'm just learning. I'd still like to get a pure surgical black too.