Thread: Dan's Whetstone True Hard

Some of what I will refer to harkens back to this thread: http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...hetstones.html

A few days ago I received this newly ordered Dan's Whetstone True Hard variety. Those familiar Dan's and Arkansas novaculite will recall the True Hard, Hard Black, and Translucent all carry a gravity rating of 2.5+. I am of the opinion there is no appreciable difference in the three categories / varieties specified above for straight razor honing. While I was ordering the new stone Mary reminded me the True Hard was slightly more aggressive than the other two categories. (See previous thread for some description on this point). I told Mary the reason I was purchasing this True Hard was to demonstrate there is no distinctive difference between the three categories. BUT I THINK I'VE STUMBLED ON TO SOMETHING. When these stones come off Dan's Whetstone lapping machines and are finished, the True Hards may very well be slightly more aggressive. This may be fine for folks who use the True Hard for blades other than straight razors, but we who use these stones for straight razors will often go to extraordinary lengths to burnish and polish these stones.

With the purchase of this True Hard I am attempting to demonstrate two points: 1) there is no appreciable difference between True Hard, Hard Black, and Translucent Arkansas novaculite; and 2) the burnishing, polishing of the True Hard need not be overly burdensome to achieve a finishing stone that will deliver a fine, polished edge. I know others here highly burnish, polish their novaculite stones. I've only lightly burnished my novaculite stones leaving a satin like finish.

So with all that, here's the pictures.



Opposite side.



Side view.



Opposite side view.



Getting down to work.



I rubbed my hand over the stone to feel the texture. I then took my chisel and with only moderate pressure laid down only enough strokes to smooth out the surface, leaving a satin, almost chalk like finish. But I'm not done.



Taking a hint from Mastro Livi, I took my Dan's Hard Black (surgical black, if you like), and laid on numerous moderate to light pressure laps. This is a step I'll no doubt repeat many times.

I now have a Dan's Whetstone True Hard genuine novaculite ready to finish and maintain my straight razors. Only trouble is, gee whiz, (get the reference?), all my razors are now in fine shaving condition.

My thanks to Mary, Steve, and all the folks at Dan's Whetstone. What a beautiful stone they sent me!