Thread: Any general advice for using Arkansas stones?

Originally Posted by JellyJar

I'll eventually find my way out of the hole. Until then, I'm having fun playing with my monkey

Hmmmm....!?

I've been working my way through my hollows with the black ark and have been getting pretty consistent results.

Then I got to my Dovo (late 1980's purchase). I was getting decent shaves, but there was a little tugging and the shave wasn't that close. I went back to the stone a couple of times and added extra stropping, but it just didn't want to get to the next level. I decided to add a second layer of tape and try a micro-bevel. I only did about 40 really light laps. The shave was much improved

I find it interesting that such a small change made such a noticeable difference.

Originally Posted by JellyJar

I've been working my way through my hollows with the black ark and have been getting pretty consistent results.

Then I got to my Dovo (late 1980's purchase). I was getting decent shaves, but there was a little tugging and the shave wasn't that close. I went back to the stone a couple of times and added extra stropping, but it just didn't want to get to the next level. I decided to add a second layer of tape and try a micro-bevel. I only did about 40 really light laps. The shave was much improved

I find it interesting that such a small change made such a noticeable difference.

Thanks JJ-I've never messed much with secondary bevels, but now you make me want to try it on my next honing job.

Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

Thanks JJ-I've never messed much with secondary bevels, but now you make me want to try it on my next honing job.

I have had some success with secondary bevels on blades that I received with overly large bevels already set or blades with irregular bevels that required some creative layering of tape before honing. In the latter case, the bevel didn’t look any better than what I started with, but it shaved great and I avoided having to send it out to be reground.

Originally Posted by DZEC

I have had some success with secondary bevels on blades that I received with overly large bevels already set or blades with irregular bevels that required some creative layering of tape before honing. In the latter case, the bevel didn’t look any better than what I started with, but it shaved great and I avoided having to send it out to be reground.

Honed up a wedge for Gasman, that was just as you described. All would look good, till it hit the finishing hone, then I could see that the edge wasn't quite meeting at the toe. Reset the bevel twice, up thru the progression, same thing at the finisher. Added a layer, a few extra laps on the finisher.... Presto.!!!

Originally Posted by outback

Honed up a wedge for Gasman, that was just as you described. All would look good, till it hit the finishing hone, then I could see that the edge wasn't quite meeting at the toe. Reset the bevel twice, up thru the progression, same thing at the finisher. Added a layer, a few extra laps on the finisher.... Presto.!!!

Actually Mike, I’m pretty sure it was your suggestion to creatively place extra pieces of tape on the spine based on the irregularities of the bevel that allowed me to get a decent edge on that razor. Thanks again.