Thread: What Arkansas for finisher?

I'm going to get an Arkansas from Dan's whetstone. Should I get a True Hard or Black? What size?

Originally Posted by Sdm84

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:



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...

Originally Posted by MW76

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.

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.