Always a day late and a dollar short
Since part of the original question was regarding the difference between translucent and black Arkansas stones, I’ll address that subject first. The reason being that I’m sure someone will have a very similar question in the near future.
Essentially, there is NO difference in translucent and black Arkansas stones. Both are at the top of Arkansas grading scale being referred to as “extra fine” and are more accurately referred to as “true hard Arkansas”.
Arkansas, being a naturally occurring stone, occurs in many different colors including shades of white, grays/shades of blue-gray, and even pink (yes pink). Even a very choice cut stone will usually have veins or swirls or patches of other “colorations” in them.
One cannot determine the actual grit of the hone based ONLY on the color. So it’s imperative that if your dropping good money for a high end piece of Arkansas your buying it from a reputable source.
I would not encourage anyone to use Arkansas as a razor hone, however they HAVE been used in the past. The advise given previously is wise and given out of experience. To avoid undue headache, follow it accordingly <g>.
However, should you, or anyone else, be interested in good Arkansas hones, I’ll post a link to a good source below this paragraph. I don’t seen a problem in using medium or hard Arkansas for removing nicks or heavy initial profiling of an abused razor, just not as a finishing hone. You’ll need something more fine, and more consistent (i.e. Nortons and Coticule)
Arkansas Grades
You’ll notice I linked to the page explaining the grading of Arkansas with chart for approximate grit grade comparison.
Testing another couple of links
http://tinyurl.com/bss73 (Blue Belgian test 1)
http://tinyurl.com/bvxmd (Blue Belgian test 2)
AhHAAaa... finally got them to work.. those are test's using the blue Belgan hones by the way haha... enjoy!