Arkansas Stones

Bladenoobie1

Bladenoobie1

Joined
Jul 20, 2012
Messages
1,261
Whats the difference between a true hard arkansas stone, black stone, and translucent stone? Is there a significant difference when using a black or translucent stone as opposed to using the true hard arkansas stone? From what I've read they all have the same density, but that doesn't tell you much about the grit.

- Bladenoobie1
 
No, they do not have the same density and grit can be determined from that designation. This info. is currently being discussed and is posted in the Arkansas stone topics. Yet, For your convenience I'll give you the same reference chart to read: http://www.danswhetstone.com/stone_grades_101.htm
While correct specific gravite tells little about grit. A Arkansas stone that enters in the catagory of a 'true hard' will be around 800-1000 grit, a Translucent 1100 and the black 1200. DM
 
In my experience, when sharpening I notice a step up with each of the grades you mention. More so going from a true hard to Black. Also, quality varies among retailers so do your homework. A very dark Black is hard to find these days and will fetch a premium price. DM
 
I talked to Dan and I've already looked at the link you posted. True hard, black hard, and translucent are all categorized in the same relative grit. He said; however, black is feels smoother and translucent feels coarser but they all give around the same performance.
 
You may have talked to a different guy than I did as it was in 2009. I cannot find the chart Norton gives for Arkansas stone grits. DM
 
I the link doesn't work. I wasn't trying to "challenge" you in any way. I was simply stating what I knew and from where.
 
I didn't take it that way as I was trying to give you some information you wanted on these stones. Try pulling up Steve Bottorff's book, 'Sharpening Made Easy' and in it at about page 20 you'll find a grit chart. I think its a PDF file. Your PC settings may be sensitive to opening these files.
Plus, owning the stones and using them for years helps as with many things experience teaches. DM
 
How do you use your arkansas stones David? I ordered a tri-hone from knifeart--should it be of good quality? Also I've seen many arkansas tri-hones that all look nearly identical, the only difference being the company name/logo stamped on the wood. Do all these retailers buy their stones from the same source and just print their name on it? Also is honing oil necessary when sharpening on the arkansas stone? Will water suffice? Also what is flattening? Its a word I came across in several threads regarding different variants for whetstones. I read several threads and some posts regarding a diamond-slurry. Where can I buy a diamond-slurry?
 
Last edited:
I received my arkansas stones from Knifeart and they work great! There is one issue and its that my knife gets duller when moving from the soft to the hard stone. The black stone and soft stone works just fine, but the hard stone is slightly gritty? Should I be concerned?
 
Soapy water is fine, just a few drops. That is a concern of natural Arkansas stones, they are finished different. They need to be level to work well. Rub it with a coarse then fine diamond stone with water. Also, sandpaper will work in grits of 325 and 800. Use it wrapped around a hard backing. Not much, your merely trying to level the stones surface not change the grit. Arkansas's surface will change once they are broke in and used but first get the surface level. DM
 
Yes, I've encountered that 'gritty' surface from the black. Its from lack of proper finish. That must be removed or it will dull the knife. Use the method above, until the stones surfaces is very level. This is what we mean by 'quality varies' among quarries/ cutters. The better quality stones come from 1-2 retailers. DM
 
YOu may obtain diamond slurry from various retailer in various grits. First get your stones level. Then use them. DM
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top