Thread: Arkansas Hone From Appleton Barber Supply

I was at Appleton Barber Supply's website today and saw this hone. Has anyone used this particular hone? If so, how is it? It seems like a good price and looks like it could be used as a barber hone.

Nope, never used it. But that's a neat little website there. I didn't even know a barber supply store existed anymore. lol. Looks like a translucent Arkansas. Some swear by them. Could be a hard white Ark as well though. Either way, I doubt they're selling it if they don't think it'll work. IMO, anyone would be better off with a synthetic stone if you haven't already got one. A synthetic waterstone should be a persons first hone. JMHO.

I haven't used that stone but it is a hard arkansas stone. I have used one of them. It will give you a good shave edge. I just shaved off of one of them today. They are a natural stone so there will be variations between stones so some will be faster then others. So as a barber hone could be hit or miss. The price of that one is not to bad but you can get one cheaper on eBay or amazon. I would probably go with this one if I was getting on to be a barber hone http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007AK...121956&sr=1-40

I don't know about that particular Arkansas stone, but I have a translucent Ark that's a marvelous finishing stone. I know that everyone says this all the time regarding natural stones, but they are all different and you never know what you're getting until you have it. For the price listed, it would be worth the gamble. I paid quite a bit more than what that one is listed for to get the one that I have. It would be interesting to see what the actual dimensions of that stone are since they aren't listed.

i didnt see on the website what size it was i think its a 4x2 thats about the price you would pay for a hard ark. (in 4x2 size)
6x2 would be a better option imo.

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 regularjoe

Nope, never used it. But that's a neat little website there. I didn't even know a barber supply store existed anymore. lol. Looks like a translucent Arkansas. Some swear by them. Could be a hard white Ark as well though. Either way, I doubt they're selling it if they don't think it'll work. IMO, anyone would be better off with a synthetic stone if you haven't already got one. A synthetic waterstone should be a persons first hone. JMHO.

I have to agree with all you said but a translucent would never go for 17 dollars. If so I will take all he has.
Stingray

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.