I'm going to get an Arkansas from Dan's whetstone. Should I get a True Hard or Black? What size?
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I'm going to get an Arkansas from Dan's whetstone. Should I get a True Hard or Black? What size?
Translucent, True Hard, and Black stones can be used interchangeably. There's not a large or noticeable difference between them, they're all above 2.50 density and create pretty much the same edge when burnished. Call me biased, but I like True Hards best. They have the most character:Quote:
Originally Posted by Sdm84
Attachment 259389
As for size, that's all up to your preference. Smallest I use is 6 x 2, my preferred size is 8 x 3. YMMV.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...hetstones.html
Read the above thread relative to Dan's True Hard category of genuine Novaculite Arkansas stones. Bottom line: there no discernible difference among Translucent, Hard Black, colored Translucent, or the Hard Black with color variations.
I have a couple of each and they have their unique personalities but you can shave off any of them and get a close shave. 8" x 2" is my favorite size. Tell them what you want to do with the stone and they will pick you out a good one.
I just have a surgical black from Dans but here's a tip. Depending on the size your looking for check out a vendor on Amazon called Taylors Tools. He sells stones from Dans slightly cheaper than Dans website, but the selection is limited. Mine was lapped flat out of the box and i saved about 30 bucks. Haven't checked prices in a few months though so you might want to compare...
I just checked and his prices are good. It's actually Taylor Toolworks. If you search on "Taylor Toolworks Arkansas" all of his offerings show up. Thanks for the lead.Quote:
Originally Posted by MW76
Yeah thats it. Glad I could help!
Looking at Taylor Toolworks it's a little of column A and a little of column B. Dan's 8x2x1/2 Black is cheaper, but for a Translucent stone Dan's is higher.
Well, I'm all for cheap stones. That's why my Soft and Hard stones didn't come from Dan's. But when it comes to finishers I want that picture of Daniel Boone chucking a knife into a tree on my hone box. That being the case, I figure might as well get it from the source. $10-$20 isn't gonna break me, but it will help a good little company stay in business. And I'd like to see Dan's hang around for a while. Them's good folks.
Thanks to all who replied. I called Dan's today and spoke to an actual live person who could help me! I think it was Mary...anyway she listened to what I was looking for and gave me some options the one I could afford right now was a black Arkansas "second" 6"x2"X1/2" she said there might be a flaw or discoloration but it wouldn't interfere with honing. I felt like I got a fair price and they gave me a 10% discount for being a forum member! Great people to work with and I got a good old fashioned customer service experience.
I'm choosing to believe my article On The Road At Dan's Whetstone had something to do with your decision. I feel pretty good about that. :rock:
And you would be 100% correct! GREAT story and I felt good about supporting them. I feel certain that they will remember that I called and pick a stone that is right for me. Wish more businesses would be like that...I miss the good old days...Quote:
Originally Posted by Longhaultanker
