Hard Arkansas Stones Help

[PG5768]

I recently found some Bear Brand HB6 Hard Arkansas oilstones. Can anyone give me any info on what they'd be good for sharpening wise? Are they around 800 grit?

 

[HeavyHanded]

Hard to say exactly with a natural stone, but my fine Arkansas appears to be in the 1200 - 1500 range. They work very well on chisels, knives, woodworking tools etc. They don't work so well on the tougher steels, but on 440c, Aus8, 420HC, they work very well. They will work OK on the the newer steels like 154cm, but are very slow and not a good choice for anything but touch-up work. For touch-ups, they're pretty nice. As advertised, they really do polish the edge as they sharpen - makes for a great looking edge.
HH

 

[David Martin]

PG, Check at www.danswhetstone.com as he thinks they could be 800-1000g . That would be entry level for 'hard' . The Arkansas grain structure is different causing them to cut slow . Your stones could sharpen most pocket knives, hunting knives and a razor .
I normally don't go this high unless for my razor .This type stone also will polish nicely. DM

 

[PG5768]

Thanks for the info gentlemen and thanks for the link David. Wish my freehand sharpening was better, then I could put them to use right away. Looks like I'll need to practice.

 

[PG5768]

After visiting Dan's website and going thru his 101s I think these might be the translucent ultra hard, so around 1200 grit. When I get home I'll try practicing some.