Thread: Using a Smith's Tri stone.

I have managed to get around 12 Smith's Tri stone systems over the past 2 weeks and I was wondering if anyone has tried to use the translucent Arkansas side to hone a razor before. I've been told that they don't make good radar hones but have trouble seeing how one Novaculite differs greatly from another.

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You can use a translucent in a razor honing progression. Most aren't finishers in my book but they are good stones. Hard as heck to get lapped flat but well worth the effort.

Yup, will work, but like all natural stones results will vary. Arks have been used on razors for hundreds of years.

Arks lap easily, with the proper tools, there are tons of threads on Ark stones, lapping and burnishing for razor honing.

Problem with most Tri hones is they are small, but can be made to work.

A proper Ark edge is a very keen, comfortable edge.

I have two translucents and both are finishers and darn good ones at that but as euclid pointed out the tri stones can be small and narrow but can be used if you are careful.

The two stones in the picture which are the best two I can find measure out at 6x1.5x.25 and 6x1.25x.5. Is that something you would consider a bit on the small end.

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Yea, it will work, if the stone is properly prepped. Wider is always better, especially if you are new to honing. It can be difficult to hone on a short narrow stone.

I have several 6 x 2 inch wide Ark, hones and a big, old, black 10X3 finisher that put on a smoking edge. I also have a couple Tri hones, and rarely use them.

Lap with loose, Silicone Carbide from GotGrit.com and burnish with large flat carbon steel, knife or wide chisel, I use an old carbon steel, cleaver.