Thread: Dan's Whetstones: Here's your chance.

As some of you know, I was broke down for the past 10 days in Virginia. I got my repaired truck back today and started my way home. Although the water is beginning to recede, Houston is still a colossal mess. So I thought, hmm, why don't I stop by Dan's Whetstone on the way back. So I called Mary, told her what I was thinking, and she said come on. I have three objectives: 1) I have certain questions about their lapping machine, 2) show-and-tell of my straight razor set up. They really have little exposure how their stones impact the straight razor community. And 3) take your questions to them and get answers. So all you Dan's Fans and Arkansas Novaculite aficionados, post your questions here. I am planning to be there Friday morning for a couple of hours. So Marshall, Steele, DaveW, and others interested, get posting.

Just tell them thank you and that I'm a happy customer with the translucent I bought a few months ago. Most of my razors now sport a Dan's edge.

Awesome. Two days ago I mailed them a couple translucents to be resurfaced/lapped, ones I found at a flea market that I couldn't do by hand. I bet they got them today. I'm interested in the machine they use to do it. When I asked how long it will take she said "the guys don't run those wheels every day, so it might take a couple days." Must be a tough wheel whatever it is.

Have fun there, nice idea to go!

Originally Posted by xiaotuzi

Awesome. Two days ago I mailed them a couple translucents to be resurfaced/lapped, ones I found at a flea market that I couldn't do by hand. I bet they got them today. I'm interested in the machine they use to do it. When I asked how long it will take she said "the guys don't run those wheels every day, so it might take a couple days." Must be a tough wheel whatever it is.

Have fun there, nice idea to go!

Here's their lapping machine.



Take a look at this too.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...hetstones.html

I haven't go too many questions except when are they going to get access to the pike washita mine?

Originally Posted by DaveW

I haven't go too many questions except when are they going to get access to the pike washita mine?

That certainly qualifies as a question. Is there a history behind the question that might be helpful to know?

Originally Posted by Longhaultanker

Take a look at this too.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...hetstones.html

How the heck did I miss that the first time around? Man that's cool!

Originally Posted by Longhaultanker

That certainly qualifies as a question. Is there a history behind the question that might be helpful to know?

Norton owns the only real washita mines, which are apparently still full of rock, but they're not interested in mining it.

Originally Posted by Longhaultanker

That certainly qualifies as a question. Is there a history behind the question that might be helpful to know?

The highest quality washitas that have the most consistent dimple/grit pattern comes from the old Pike mines. Norton now owns the mines and about 8-10 years ago they mined some lily white washitas for a limited time only and have now stopped all production as they say it is not worth the effort to mine them. Sounds like the perfect opportunity for Dans to either buy the rights or work with Norton to get some more in the market. That would make many collectors and users happy. That would be a great question.

Another question I would love to know the answer to is how many Arkansas stones they sell to Japan? They once said in an article that the export many stones to Japan. I wonder how big of a customer Japan really is.

As far as questions go I have a couple but I could just as easily call them and talk to them on the phone or via email. What I would really love to see is more pictures many many many more pictures.