Thread: On the road at Dan's Whetstones

This just rehashed my thoughts on needing a good black Ark from Dan's. I blame you!!!!

Kidding. It's only because your write up and pics are so good. I also really love how it's a family run business.

Thanks for the post.

Add-on #1:

No doubt there will be others as I think of them.

1. Using True Hard dry. Steve said many users employ the Translucent and Arkansas Black dry for their applications. The important thing is to clean them periodically. Using mineral oil, some solution, or water / soap is largely to remove metal particles while in use. The important thing is not to load up the pores with metal particles.

2. Use of vocabulary. I encouraged Steve and Mary to review the bench stone page and the gravity chart page of their website to use the same exacting vocabulary in each description to avoid confusion. I knew I wasn't crazy when I was using the language Black Hard. They interchange Arkansas Black and Black Hard. Can be confusing.

3. SRP presence. I urged Mary to join and monitor SRP. They really didn't understand what "rock" stars they are here. Yes, pun intended. Other vendors are here, Why not Dan's?

Thanks for the responses, folks.

2 & 3 - very good ideas. More clarity is always a good thing. And anytime Arkansas stones come up here, it's inevitable that Dan's will be recommended. Usually they're the first ones mentioned.

Thank you! Very nice write up. You are going to cost me some money[emoji1]

Originally Posted by Mrchick

Thank you! Very nice write up. You are going to cost me some money[emoji1]

The good news, of course, is you can get a True Hard and save a few bucks over the Translucent or Arkansas Black.

Wow, awesome field trip, LHT! It seems Arkies are definitely having a moment as razor finishers these days. I've only got my one Trans ark, but definitely want a black one now (because why not?!).

What a great write up. If there was ever any confusion, I think this cleared it up. I also love that it is a family run business. I have talked with many of them on the phone and via email so it is nice to match a face. If I ever get down that way Dans will be a destination for me.

Although there is no distinction in the final edge between all of the true hard stones I am partial to the beauty of Arkansas stones and appreciate that they have a "visual" distinction to choose from. Even if some, like the translucent, is more expensive. Thanks again for the write up on my favorite stones. It was second only to actually being there.

Longhaultanker,

Does Dan's sell hones at their location? Also, at one time they sold stones with a lapped top but the bottom side was rough at a large discount. I can't find this type of stone on their site. Do you know if they still have these type of stones?

I do not know. All four of my Dan's Whetstones are fully finished and lapped on all sides. I've never seen any option for an unfinished side. Give Mary a call to inquire.

Leather, yes they do offer these. Usually they can be found on their discounted page when offered but it is unusual so what I do is call or email and let them know what you want exactly and they will find it for you. My surgical black, which can be seen here, http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...ml#post1737427, was exactly such a request. I was very specific and willing to wait until they found something. Around two weeks later and more emails I got the exact rock I was loosing king for. They are extremely accommodation and customer orientated as long as you are patient. You can't go wrong talking with them.