Thread: Question About Being "Done" on an Arkie

Originally Posted by DaveW

Glad to hear you're using the arks and liking them, by the way. I think it's closer to what people did 100 years ago when they were just trying to get a good shave and the only bombarding they got was advertisements from time to time.

Yep, funny how that works. I started learning to hone knives years ago with a set of Arkansas stones - 4" x 1.5" in Soft, Medium, and Black. When I got into straight razors someone convinced me that I had to have a synthetic set. 20 hones later I'm wondering why I didn't just buy some 8x3 Arkansas bench stones and be happy. Well, it's been an interesting little rabbit hole to go down, I've learned a lot and still have fun playing with the rock collection when time permits. Arks are still the favorite of the bunch.

Originally Posted by Marshal

Yep, funny how that works. I started learning to hone knives years ago with a set of Arkansas stones - 4" x 1.5" in Soft, Medium, and Black. When I got into straight razors someone convinced me that I had to have a synthetic set. 20 hones later I'm wondering why I didn't just buy some 8x3 Arkansas bench stones and be happy. Well, it's been an interesting little rabbit hole to go down, I've learned a lot and still have fun playing with the rock collection when time permits. Arks are still the favorite of the bunch.

Interesting conversation about pastes vs. Arks, and the evolution on the internet forums re CrOx and the various grades. I remember a lot of threads about that, when the guy (can't remember his handle) got the MSDS or other specs.

Anyway, I am also trying to get away from pastes (only ever really used the CrOx on linen) in favor of "pure" natural edges and good stropping. I've only been at the Arkie thing hardcore for a few weeks, but I've got that Best 8X3" SB slicker than owl s*!t on a bowling ball with just a little spritz of WD-40 evenly spread before each session. Honestly, though I'm getting very sharp, smooth edges, I don't feel I'm close to maxing it out. It can only get more burnished, and I feel its capabilities probably exceed my patience and dedication to find them, but I'm enjoying trying.

Originally Posted by DaveW

In my experience, an arkansas finisher is better used with some pressure for initial strokes, and gradually lighter pressure.

I have been using arks for a long time, before they were said to be OK on razor forums, and still find better experience with oil or a water based oil substitute than dish soap. The stones need something oil-like to float particles out.

I've also found that technique on the stones (X's, back and forth, circles, whatever you want to do) to be almost inconsequential. Just get the razor up to a polish and the stone will just about stop cutting. Ark and washita do that - they remove grooves with a little bit of speed and then nearly stop.

+1 Glad to see you back Dave!

Originally Posted by Steel

+1 Glad to see you back Dave!

Thanks. I had a reaction to a blood pressure medication early this year and was almost lights out. Still trying to get the lights back on completely, but getting closer.

Lost all interest in things for a while and was dangerously close to becoming one of those people who just has one or two razors and shaves with them for a couple of decades and that's it!

Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

Interesting conversation about pastes vs. Arks, and the evolution on the internet forums re CrOx and the various grades. I remember a lot of threads about that, when the guy (can't remember his handle) got the MSDS or other specs.

Anyway, I am also trying to get away from pastes (only ever really used the CrOx on linen) in favor of "pure" natural edges and good stropping. I've only been at the Arkie thing hardcore for a few weeks, but I've got that Best 8X3" SB slicker than owl s*!t on a bowling ball with just a little spritz of WD-40 evenly spread before each session. Honestly, though I'm getting very sharp, smooth edges, I don't feel I'm close to maxing it out. It can only get more burnished, and I feel its capabilities probably exceed my patience and dedication to find them, but I'm enjoying trying.

Keep at it. It just sort of happens - between the razor edge acclimating to the stone, and you and the stone acclimating to each other.

If you don't have a vintage linen yet, I'd advise getting one (look for something unused on ebay that is old, clean, unused and has the words "silk finish" on it somewhere). A good linen eliminated my desire to do frequent honing. The ark is a great supplement to the linen because it doesn't blast the bevel and edge off all at once - it makes it easy to preserve what you've been working up with the line and leather.