Thread: Best brand arkansas stones

I've been looking for a hard (white) ark for pocket/kitchen knives and found this company.
https://www.bestsharpeningstones.com...rpening-stones The prices seem pretty reasonable. Just wondering about quality. Anyone used any of their products?

Check Dan's

I've yet to come across a translucent in the wilds, yet. But that's all I use my Arks on, is knives. I do have a black, but yet to gain a edge I like, for razors.

Slower than molasses, on the mountains in January.

Might look at a Washita, if ya can find one.
A real cool rock, versatile, with the use of different lubes.

Dan's has an 8x2 but no 8x3. I would be fine with the 8x2, but the 8x3 at Best is just about the same price as Dan's 8x2. Of course I might be picking nits and being cheap.

Their flat, from Dan's.
Don't know about the other, place.

They ain't no fun ta lap.!

JJ, I've got the 8x3 surgical black from Best Sharpening Supplies, but there's nothing wrong with an 8x2. With some lapping and burnishing on one side, it took/takes my edges to a whole new level of precise, sharp and smooth that fine arkies are known for.

That said, may of our forum members strongly recommend Dan's over all others. Word from most users is that their stones come flatter from the get go, which is key, unless you're one of these masochists who actually likes flattening stones that are harder than Japanese arithmetic. Plus that family and everyone in the shop is well-known for customer service. If I had it to do again, I'd spend a little extra and get a Dan's for those two factors-I may get one yet just because I love arks. And if you can afford it, get a thicker one for the stability and confidence it will provide.

Periodically, some ark-a-holics on this forum will post a bunch of tips and experience on using them. Their esteem in the straight razor community has risen markedly since I got started about 10 years ago as users have found ways to short-cut the old hundreds of strokes technique (mostly with oil and pressure on well-burnished stones).

Make sure your synth edges are spot-on to about 8 to 12 k before going down this rabbit hole-welcome to the dark side if you get one. I know the excitement, as I just pulled the trigger on one of those Zulu Greys in their 50% off sale (plus I'm baby-sitting TC's for awhile). Let us know what you end up with!

I visited Dan's a while ago and after seeing their operation and meeting the people that is where I would buy a new one from.

I got an 8x3 black from them at that time.

I visited their sight and now see the biggest I could find was a 11.5x2.5 .

I got the 8x2 black, plenty big enough.

I've had a 6x2 Smith's black ark since before I'd even thought about straights. I've always liked that stone.

I'd never flattened it and gave it a go a few months ago. Still have plenty of sic powder left. I wouldn't say I like it but no worse than hours of blade sanding. I'm sure I'll be learning it with razors when I've got the1/4/8K thing handled, though it might be a little small. Works great for my carving knives.

I also couldn't resist the 50% sale and have a Silkvein ordered. I've still got lots to learn before I tackle that one though.

With an Ark go by density not color. Although color can be an indicator depending on the quarry and what what was happening at the time that layer was layed down and the impurities at the time it was formed. It is not a true indicator of the "fineness" of the stone.

With Dan's the black is their finest grade.

Originally Posted by JellyJar

I've had a 6x2 Smith's black ark since before I'd even thought about straights. I've always liked that stone.

I'd never flattened it and gave it a go a few months ago. Still have plenty of sic powder left. I wouldn't say I like it but no worse than hours of blade sanding. I'm sure I'll be learning it with razors when I've got the1/4/8K thing handled, though it might be a little small. Works great for my carving knives.

I also couldn't resist the 50% sale and have a Silkvein ordered. I've still got lots to learn before I tackle that one though.

Too small..!!! Ha.!
My mighty Thurigan.,