Thread: Dan's Whetstone vs. Natural Whetstone

I personally dont care for Arkansas stones for straight razors. All that I have had are very slow compared to the three synthetic stones that are typically recommended. They are: Norton, Naniwa, and Shaptons. Why might you ask? The synthetics are very consistent, natural stones are not. Then advice on honing can be given with relative accuracy, not so much with naturals.

I have four Arkansas finishers from Dan’s, a True Hard, 2 Hard Black, and a Translucent. All are excellent finishers. Slow, yes. Consistent, yes. Not everything is about quickest, fastest, cheapest. A fellow member often reminds us of the ancient art of straight razor shaving. I suppose that would include honing. Synthetic stones are indeed fast and very consistent, and of relative recent origin. Natural honing stones no doubt go back centuries. Hence the art of it all. I like knowing I’m shaving and honing in the manner of the ancients.

From what I recall, there is no reference to Arkansas stones in the old barber books. Escher, Coticule, and barber stones...yes.

I am not saying Arkansas stones are bad, and they "will" work, but there are much better stones to hone straight razors with.

Example, I have a large Charnley Forest and its a fantastic stone if you want to make about 200 (each side) on it to get the best it has to offer using Smiths honing oil. It takes about 10 strokes on Shapton 16k or G20.

Ahhhh, u just don't like to hone as much as others.

I fell into the synthetic scheme for a short period, bought a whole set of Naniwas. The only one I use now is the 1000 Chosera, and that's just to set bevels and remove lots of steel. From there its all Naturals, I like to creep up on my edges, refined like a aged wine...smooth with no bitter bite.

But to each their own, as long as we reach our goal

GREAT SHAVES, GENTS.!!

Dead on Mike. I have honed with most stones out there and have settled in on the fastest. I do tone down all that I hone on Escher with a little slurry.