Originally Posted by
randydance062449
Hmmmmm..... this is a very good thread. Thanks guys. For me, it is also timely. I am having another go at using the Arkansas stones after talking with a friend who has used them for 45 years on his straight razors. He has tried the Coticules and the Thuringans but prefers the edge from a Arkansas Surgical black.
He does say that the black is a finishing stone and that it is very slow ( he uses oil). Perhaps 200-300 laps depending upon the steel/grind and how well the honing was performed on the prior stones. Maybe more.
I do have difficulty recommending a slow set of stones for new guys because it will frustrate them more than they already experience with the faster synthetic hones. The difficulty of learning to hone is one of the major reasons new guys give up the use of straight razors.
Natural stones...... yes, I like them a lot but it is only because I have a bit of experience that I can live with the variations we encounter. I know how to determine where a specific stone fits in a honing progression. The new guys have not a clue.
Oil, water, dry, dressed, slurry, pressure.......and on which stones? A whole lot of work needs to be done to answer the questions. I do not doubt that the Arkansas stones can do the job given enough time and used in the proper order and with the proper approach.
Lets start this by answering the following question.........
1. If you have an Ebay vintage razor with some minor nicks etc.
Which Arkansas stone should be used?
Should the stone be dressed first?
Leave the slurry on?
Slurry and dilute down to just water/oil or til dry?
Dress, then rinse off and use water oil...til dry or keep wet?
No dressing, just water/oil?
Dry only?
Your experience/answers please.............