Thread: Arkansas

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