Thread: Arkansas natural combo? Coticule?

Hey guys,

I bought this mostly out of curiosity. What do you guys think this is? Is it possible to get an Arkansas natural combination?
Thanks for your opinions as always!
Carl

Probably just an oil soaked arkansas. Don't think it is a coticule, but lapping will help. My guess is it was used on one side only and with oil.

You think oil soaking could make it that black? I will post pics when I get it and lap it.
I thought it was some kind of natural combo because of the lack of uniformity in the transverse section.
Do you know if it is possible for the arkansas stones to be natural combinations?
no matter what I will be happy lol I just love new gear XD

I have a few Arks and enjoy them. Been using them on pocket knives for years and only recently used a translucent and a surgical black on razors with happy results. I don't see why it wouldn't be possible to have a combo. If the Good Lord put that sediment where black melded to translucent , well why not ? Get a can of Easy Off Oven Cleaner, I read that the blue labeled can is 'odorless' , and clean it up of any oil residue and you'll know what you've got.

Thanks, I would love to believe it is a black/white combo because I only paid £10 for it lol.
I can see why that could be oil, and I will post the end product on here for any future prospectors to see.
I hate using oil on stones but I think I am gonna have to reinvest in some honing oil :/

Another way to clean all the oil out of the stone is to put the stone in a container or pot filled with boiling water, let it boil for a while you will see all the oil float and crud as well.

Originally Posted by Martin103

Another way to clean all the oil out of the stone is to put the stone in a container or pot filled with boiling water, let it boil for a while you will see all the oil float and crud as well.

This works - but, it's a good idea to keep the stone off the bottom of the pot. If the stone sits on the bottom of the pot it may/could crack. I supported a Hindostan with 'cigars' of aluminum foil.
Another tip is to wrap the stone in paper towel or shop rags too, they'll absorb some of the oil
It is not usually a one-shot deal. Depending on how much oil is in the stone, you may need to do this several times.

This looks to me like a natural combination coticule. The dark side is the blue 4000 grit and the cream colored side is 8000 grit. The Belgian quarry is the only quarry in the world which produces a natural combination stone. Arkansas stones don't come as combo stones. I've got a few dozen of each in my collection.

I have vintage coticules in my collection that have had oil used on them. The Belgians recommend only water. Nevertheless, put some water on the dark side and see if it beads up (indicating oil saturation) or if it spreads out indicating the stone is the reason for the color. As far as using oil in general is concerned, you might want to try it. There's nothing inherently bad about it and some stones like the Charnley Forest were considered oilstones because they worked best with oil. Carborundum stones are also used with oil. Nothing wrong with it just a bit more messy.

Looks like a Washita Oil Stone, broken too, anyway it looks like a Washita.