Arkansas Stone

[bbshriver]

I just noticed an Arkansas stone in the BST, And that got me thinking.
I've been using "soft arkansas" stone for years as the final stage in sharpening my pocket knives, and I know these are readily available at a fairly reasonable price in a decent sized brick for honing. Would one of these be a reasonable substitute for a "coticule" or similar fine stone if properly lapped?

I currently have a 4/8 norton, and Cro strop, would this fit in between, or be redundant?

[Russel Baldridge]

The problem with the Arkansas stones is that they cut so slow. I have a full set (soft, hard, surgical, translucent) and have never been thrilled about either the finish of the edge or fast they cut.

They wouldn't really be of use with your current setup and are a nightmare to lap as well.

But as with any natural stone, there are some that are really good and some that are not so much, so I'll say that mine don't do anything that the belgians can't do better.

[Labhoncho]

I bought my first straight a couple of months ago, Filharmonica brand, at Ross Cutlery. I asked about stones and he suggested I buy the double-sided Arkansas, smooth and very smooth. I slightly nicked my razor during my first shave and brought the razor back to Ross for some first aid. I was told the nick was so small that I could hone it myself. So I used the coarser side of the Arkansas with a little water. When I could no longer see or feel the nick, I went to the fine side, just a few strokes on the hone. I stropped the blade about 40 times. Whatever I did with the hone must have been right, because the razor shaves just fantastic. It gives me a very close and smooth shave. I was very careful with the hone and only honed it until the nick was gone. The Arkansas worked very well. I have since purchased a Belgian Coticule, but have not used it yet.