Thread: Arkansas Hone From Appleton Barber Supply

I have an 8X3 set of Arks, totally worth it if you can find them in the larger size. The hard should be good for maintaining a bevel, but would take forever to set one.

I have several Arkansas stones I bought a while ago, including some vintage. I have Washita, Hard, Soft, Translucent, Surgical Black and even a "tri hone set" The Translucent is 14" x 3. Big stone...I use them mainly for knife sharpening, but see no reason why you couldn't use them for razors. Many members do. It's your choice. If I had to choose between a set of Arkansas stones or a Norton 4/8 as it applies to razor sharpening, I think I'd pick the Norton 4/8. It's synthetic and more consistent. YMMV.

Originally Posted by zib

I have several Arkansas stones I bought a while ago, including some vintage. I have Washita, Hard, Soft, Translucent, Surgical Black and even a "tri hone set" The Translucent is 14" x 3. Big stone...I use them mainly for knife sharpening, but see no reason why you couldn't use them for razors. Many members do. It's your choice. If I had to choose between a set of Arkansas stones or a Norton 4/8 as it applies to razor sharpening, I think I'd pick the Norton 4/8. It's synthetic and more consistent. YMMV.

Translucent is 14" x 3... If I ever saw onethat big I would own it...
Stingray

Originally Posted by zib

The Translucent is 14" x 3. Big stone...

That sounds like an impressive stone. The barber that I learned straight shaving and honing from had a pink translucent that was 8x3x3. Looked like a big, beautiful brick.

I have one just like it. It will give you a good shaving edge. It is not a very big stone but it will freshen the edge on a razor pretty nice.