Thread: Arkansas Stones

Originally Posted by Marshal

Mine lives in it's wooden box and rarely sees the light of day. When I DO break it out, I literally use about half the stone. Honestly most of my 8" x 3" bench stones I only use about the center 6 inches of. I can't recall the dimensions of my other huge-ass Arkie, I want to say 10 x 2, but it never leaves it's box either. My 6" x 2" stone is my go-to.

I don't envy anyone in the process of lapping and surfacing a 12" x 3" Arkie. I've done it once, I'll pass on ever doing it again.

I have 2 more to go. I probably spent as much time cleaning up afterwards as I did lapping..
I'm also considering seeking out a bespoke wood turner to make me a box / stand for the Translucent..
Easier said than done but it is on my mind

Today was Arkansas day.
Firstly I shaved off the Translucent finished on 1k paper although I think the 600 SIC powder brakes down beyond 1k.
The edge was not Jnat sharp or smooth, however there were no weepers or any stinging , it felt like an Escher edge.

My next tests will be 3 x full hollows off 3 Arks... 2 xSB and the Translucent all finished on SIC 600 .. Synthetics up to 16k..

After my shave I lapped the remaining 2 stones , a SB and the Hard White.

You can see from the pictures one SB is mostly just black and the other is marbleized.



Thought id keep the American theme with some Cult.










I always assumed "The Cult" Rock Band was American, to my shock I just found out they are English.. "She sells sanctuary" their most commercial tune, if you've never heard of them..

Wow, those are just amazing stones! As they become more and more burnished and you dial in your Arkie mojo, your shaves will get better and smoother. For me, the ultimate final edge comes from WD-40 (not sure if there is a UK equivalent, but some kind of oil in any case) and more torque on the edge than any other finisher, lightening as you go of course. I follow this up with a progression of strops to ice the cake. Others get laser-sharp edges off of Arks with different techniques, and we're always learning and refining. Keep us posted!

Thanks Aaron,
I have just taken 3 Bengall's ... All pre restoration..

Gave them some 1/4/8/16k Shapton honing and then onto the Arks , one for each stone with water/glycerine mixture and 115 laps each.

When I have some facial hair ill try all three. The best edge I will then try on the other 2 stones ..That should let me know which stone performs better..

It's about time I put my two cents in about Arkies.

My collection of razors numbers well over 100.

Most all are honed on Shapton glass to 16k.

All are finished on this Arkie.

The stone has a super feel and great feedback.
It absolutely takes any and all of the harshness out of the edge.
The shaves are buttery smooth and irritation free.

The stone continues to amaze me.

Pete <:-}

Originally Posted by petercp4e

It's about time I put my two cents in about Arkies.

My collection of razors numbers well over 100.

Most all are honed on Shapton glass to 16k.

All are finished on this Arkie.

The stone has a super feel and great feedback.
It absolutely takes any and all of the harshness out of the edge.
The shaves are buttery smooth and irritation free.

The stone continues to amaze me.

Pete <:-}

Hi Pete, i have to agree with you even though I'm Ark ignorant.
There is definatly feedback and so far it has nullified harsh Ness. Seems ideal for ppl who use synthetics..
They are beautiful and interesting too...

Might these be Arkansas stones ?

The largest is 8 inches im guessing.

Smith's The Symbol Of Sharpening

One says "FAB 8" the other says "MAB 6"..

Thanks

Originally Posted by petercp4e

It's about time I put my two cents in about Arkies.

My collection of razors numbers well over 100.

Most all are honed on Shapton glass to 16k.

All are finished on this Arkie.

The stone has a super feel and great feedback.
It absolutely takes any and all of the harshness out of the edge.
The shaves are buttery smooth and irritation free.

The stone continues to amaze me.

Pete <:-}

Your True Hard Arkansas is very much like mine. I love mine too.



Attachment 309215

Might these be Arkansas stones ?

Probably, Smiths are good ark stones. Give them a cleaning with oven cleaner and a good degreaser and scrub brush, and maybe a soak, for a better look.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

Might these be Arkansas stones ?

Probably, Smiths are good ark stones. Give them a cleaning with oven cleaner and a good degreaser and scrub brush, and maybe a soak, for a better look.

I will lap them next weekend hopefully and then take it from there..
Thanks