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Thread: Arkansas Stone

  1. #1
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    Default 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

  2. #2
    zib
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    Default

    I'd definitely pass on the Arkansas stone too, I like them for knives, not for razors. They're used with oil.
    ScottGoodman likes this.
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  3. #3
    'tis but a scratch! roughkype's Avatar
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    +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.
    ScottGoodman likes this.
    "These aren't the droids you're looking for." "These aren't the droids we're looking for." "He can go about his business." "You can go about your business."

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