Thread: Arkansas

I have been trying to read up a bit on Naturals.

Is hard Akansas for finishing?

I can't believe this price, please tell me it the bees knees.

https://www.amazon.ca/Genuine-Arkans...654064&sr=8-43

Originally Posted by STF

I have been trying to read up a bit on Naturals.

Is hard Akansas for finishing?

I can't believe this price, please tell me it the bees knees.

https://www.amazon.ca/Genuine-Arkans...654064&sr=8-43

I stumbled on to a 2nd-hand soft Arkansas a couple of weeks ago, and planned to use that in the shop for my chisels and planes. Did a wee bit of research into Arkansas stones, and started looking into getting a hard Arkie to go along with it. Thanks to your link, I've got that on order now.

There are grades beyond the hard (black and translucent) that I understand will give a finer finish, but for the tools I'll be using them on, they're a bit too spendy. I have zero experience using them on razors, so hopefully others will chip in on that front.

Originally Posted by Cangooner

I stumbled on to a 2nd-hand soft Arkansas a couple of weeks ago, and planned to use that in the shop for my chisels and planes. Did a wee bit of research into Arkansas stones, and started looking into getting a hard Arkie to go along with it. Thanks to your link, I've got that on order now.

There are grades beyond the hard (black and translucent) that I understand will give a finer finish, but for the tools I'll be using them on, they're a bit too spendy. I have zero experience using them on razors, so hopefully others will chip in on that front.

(Import Fees Deposit may apply at checkout) Were the import fees much?

I can't imagine the customs can rape you much for 37 bucks eh.

Originally Posted by STF

(Import Fees Deposit may apply at checkout) Were the import fees much?

I can't imagine the customs can rape you much for 37 bucks eh.

$5.74, so not too bad. (I'm choosing not to consider that amount in terms of % of the item!)

I happen to have a Prime account, so I have no idea if that makes any difference. Wouldn't think it should affect import fees, but who knows...?

Originally Posted by Cangooner

$5.74, so not too bad. (I'm choosing not to consider that amount in terms of % of the item!)

I happen to have a Prime account, so I have no idea if that makes any difference. Wouldn't think it should affect import fees, but who knows...?

Thats not too bad, I may end up ordering one as well.

I also have prime, it's also good for the tv channel.

Arks are amazing finishers..You want a Surgical Black or Translucent .

Originally Posted by JOB15

Arks are amazing finishers..You want a Surgical Black or Translucent .

Thanks Joseph,

Can I use the Norton progession to 8K and the go to a Translucent?

Can I go to 12K Naniwa SS then the Translucent?

How would the edge be compared to 12K Naniwa, is it as keen, can I finish on Cro Ox etc.

Do you use water or oil with it?

Sorry for all the questions but I have found this and it seems like a great price:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01...JQHZC6XB&psc=1

The Ark will refine your edge, whatever stone you finish off. Personally I wouldn't use crox ever..
Oil or water. I use glycerin and water mixture..

From my own personal experience:

Can I use the Norton progression to 8K and then go to a Translucent?
Yes

Can I go to 12K Naniwa SS then the Translucent?
Yes

How would the edge be compared to 12K Naniwa, is it as keen, can I finish on Cro Ox etc.
I find that my translucent stone improves the finish by "softening" the feel of the
edge, without compromising keenness. Chromium oxide has a similar effect. I keep a felt
strop sprayed with CrOx hanging next to my linen/leather strop, which is useful for a
quick touch-up.

Do you use water or oil with it?
I use oil, because it seems to keep the stone cleaner, ie picks up and holds scarf
in suspension.

One additional comment: I used a 6x2 translucent Arkansas stone for years, and my only
complaint is that it's a bit too small. Arkansas stones are slow cutting anyway, and a small
stone makes for more (shorter) strokes. I finally acquired an 8x3 stone, and it's much
easier and faster to use. Using circle strokes on a small stone is fine, but a larger stone
is better.
IMHO