Thread: Black arkansas vs Translucent

It's hard to believe that just a few short years ago the common thought was that Arkansas stones were only for knives since their grit was rated around 1200 at best. Now, Of course, we know this isnt the case.

I love reading about Arkenstone success. Congrats!!!

They may not be popular but they do work well. I can't wait to do a full progression.

Nope, it was actually one heck of a steal. It came in a lot that also had 2 translucents measuring 6 x 2 x 1, and 5 x 2 x 3/8, an EZE lap diamond plate, a pair of scythe stones and a no name hardware store hone or 2. I think including shipping it was just under 90 bucks.

I'm guessing the seller didn't know what they had, or just didn't want to sit on the hones.

This is a massive difference from when I received it. Not quite there of course to that highly polish mirror look that's sought after lately.

I haven't managed to get that look without a little water or oil on the hone. So there's that. I would imagine polished up to 8k is more than most folks do, add in a few thousand strokes from a hard steel knife or tool and that's really all you need. Or you can cheat the system and polish it a bit further with a cloth wheel and some buffing compound.

Got the soft ark lapped today. 2/3 only the hard to go.

I've been attempting to lap the "hard" Arkansas for 2 days now. Put in about 4 hours each day on 40 grit paper. I got enough of it flat and then gave up. This thing is just as hard if not harder than the black. I am humbled and sore.

That rock is hard as Lucifer's horns. God grant me the will to one day flatten it fully. For now I will use it as is and if I get good results it will stay that way forever.

The quality of natural whetstone products are good it's the final finish and lapping that is lacking. Which reflects in the lower price.