Black arkansas is supposed to be pretty high in grit. So, you might have some kind of barber's hone attached to it. I would use it as a regular hone, edge first. Why not use it dry? Some hones are non porous and water does not do much on them unless you are honing under a steady stream of water. Well, I have a few swatys and a gem tonsorial that are like that, anyway. If cracking ensues after you get the next one wet, it really might be made for dry use only. I doubt it was the water that cracked it, though. Try honing with it and see what happens.