Thread: Arkansas Stones

Originally Posted by icaruswasright

nice rock collection!

so I'm wondering how the arkansas stones compare to, say, the norton 4/8, and why would you recommend the norton over the arkansas for a beginner? I know there is variation among natural stones but could someone give an estimate of the grit for the black or translucent stones? which would make a good sharpener, polisher, or finisher? I'm also interested in the soft and hard arkansas for general sharpening of knives and having a full set would be neat. thanks guys.

If your bevel is even from heel to toe on your razor, and you have a little experience, then it can take just a few minutes completely hone the razor on the Norton. I haven't used arks for razors but if the lap counts the other members have mentioned are correct, then it would take me hours to hone a razor on arkansas stones.

Next reason for the norton is cost. 8x3 bench stones are expensive. The soft/black 8x3 benchstone is 95$ at Halls proedge. The Norton is less than that the last time I checked. I guess you could just spend the 20 or so dollars for one of the 4" stones on ragweed forge. In that case you would save a lot of money, but I really think it's apples to oranges between that and a 8x3 norton.

Also the Norton is a very popular stone and you will be able to get more info about honing on it than any other stone.

So I think in the end the Norton will be faster and cheaper, plus a little easier to get into. Of course that's only my opinion and I'm not super experienced....

----Michael