Arkansas Stone

Hello all,

I've been looking around to try and find the best stones for me, a beginner, to get my honing up to scratch. I own 6 razors, most from e-bay and not expensive. These are to be my practice blades. I also have a Japanese stone from the bay that is approx 12k. I have used an old stone that I already had to start and so far it's worked OK but I know it can be a whole lot better. So, I went to a local hardware store today and asked about the stones they have but they didn't really have much in terms of stones for razors but he did have 1 that he said was an Arkansas stone. There was no grit rating on the stone but it was extremely smooth. The stone is white and I'd guess at 9" x 3" x 1". Is this a suitable stone for me and is it likely to be better than the 12k stone that I already have? Maybe without seeing the stone you won't be able to answer my query but, if you can it will be appreciated.
As a bonus, the guy asked me what I wanted it for and when I told him he disappeared into the back of the store and returned with half a dozen razors in a large Taylors Eye Wtness box and said he was looking to sell them!!!!!! A couple of the razors were in great condition, possibly not even used and in perfect boxes. I was a bit taken aback and can't remember the names on the blades. I had no money on me but I said I would call back when I have some cash in my pocket and then he said ..................... "Oh well let me know when you are coming because I have another 30 or so at home!!!!!!!!!". I nearly fell over! Can't wait for payday when I will return armed with cash!

By the way, the Arkansas stone was $70

Pete

I'd definitely pass on the Arkansas stone too, I like them for knives, not for razors. They're used with oil.

+1.

Put your $70 toward a Norton 4k/8k. That is the commonest hone discussed on this site; any time you're logged on there are probably dozens of people who can help you with it. Since you're in the UK the Nortons might be harder to find; a Naniwa 3k/8k is pretty equivalent. You'll also need a 1k stone to set bevels, and a way to lap all your stones flat. The commonest solution for that is a DMT 325-grit plate. It'll add up to some $$, but it will all be $$ spent on the proper tools.

Plus, if you decide this isn't your bag after all, you can pretty easily resell the proper tools.

Good luck to you.