Thread: Arkansas

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..

Every one of my 150 or so razors is finished on a Arkie.
My stone is a True Hard which is a translucent/surgical black hybrid.
I get a very smooth, soft and comfortable edge with it. Nothing that I've found compares.
You will benefit more going as high as you can grit wise on the stone you use before going to finish on the Arkie.
I've never used oil on my stone. I put a couple of drops of hand soap to start and use water. It dilutes to mostly water as I progress.
Hope this helps.

Pete <:-}

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

In short, hell yes! No doubt you could get a shaving edge off that hard if you know what you're about. Arkies have far more range than most other naturals depending on how the surface is prepped, amount of pressure, honing media (water, soap and water, the various oils, etc.). As others have said, spend a little more and step up to a true hard, surgical black, or translucent, especially since it sounds like you're new to Arkies and may not be able to max out that hard right away.

As for a good stepping off point, I have done many edges from Nani 12k to Arkie with stellar results. That said, lately I have gotten even better results going from my Norton 8k straight to my 14"x4" Arkie with about a hundred "windshield wiper strokes" on WD-40. But many including me hone on 6x2" (or even 4x1.5 on my old Norton translucent) quite happily and get excellent results.

There is really nothing quite like a well-done Arkie edge: just exquisitely sharp, precise and smooth. And there are many long threads on this and other fora going into great detail about surface prep (minimal with Dan's stones), various lubes and techniques. Let us know what you end up with, and how it goes!

I've too have had good success with soap. Thanks Pete.!

But I also use it with oil, and glycerin. All depends on how the steel is reacting to the stone. Its a crisp edge that I tame down with a few passes on a web strop, coated with Cr/Ox.

A translucent is finer yet, Steve. I find the 12k Naniwa, a bit too harsh for me, so a trans would fit your request.