Help identifying Arkansas stones

M

mreeveshp

Joined
Mar 22, 2015
Messages
23
I have three Arkansas stones that I would like to get information on mainly what grits they possibly are. I got them when my grandfather passed away so I can't get any info from him.

I have pictures of front and back of the stones but it wouldn't let me post a picture. If some can help me in any way it would be greatly appreciated

Thanks and have a great day
 
mreve, Welcome. It is a pain to post pictures here. There is a sticky at the top in the Buck Forum that walks you thru it. Use a carrier agent like Photo Bucket. I'll look at your stones. DM
 
It's hard to judge Arkansas stones by color alone. Feeling them and using a magnifier I could get closer. But my guess is (L-R) soft, hard and washita. I have stones that look like your last two. So, I'm more sure about those. I've seen stones that look like your first one. Buck Knives sold a Arkansas stone that looks just like your first one back in the 70's and it was labeled as 'Medium'. The grits on these stones run: washita-- 400, soft or medium--600 and hard-- 800-900. The hard could be some what higher. They feel different as they get broke in. DM
 
What would you recommend the best medium to use on them like honing oil, water, or nothing at all. All I use around the house are my Japanese bench stones but I thought these would be great to throw in my camping back to touch up and sharpen when I'm out camping

Thanks for the info I'm going to try to learn more about them too myself but I knew with the knowledge on this forum someone was bound to know.

Also would you consider these stones bad, decent, okay, or good

And again thank you so much
 
I would agree with Mr. Martin's assessment. I have several Arkansas stones and use them either dry or with water. These look like great stones to me. They would work great for your camping trips as well as general sharpening. You can find out more about Arkansas stones (Novaculite) from say Dans Whetstones. www.danswhetstones.com There is a good question and answer page there.
 
Yes, go to Dan's site and began reading. I use mineral oil. If your sharpening carbon steels or simple stainless they will work fine. They are not made for complex stainless steels. They will cut slow. You can enhance their cutting abilities by adding diamond grit slurry. DM
 
Is there a way to make a diamond slurry or could I use a diamond stone to create a slurry on it

Again thank you for all the help
 
Is still trips me out that the one on the left feels so much smoother than the others but I'm going to let the middle and right one dry completely then feel the texture
 
Yes, you can make it as well from an existing stone. Like from your SiC (silicone carbide) or India (aluminum oxide) and apply this grit to your Washita. One side only not the other stones. This will help it cut faster. It will lower the grit of the Washita some and still leave a decent grit of around 300. Then you still have your other stones to refine and polish the edge. Try it only on one side as a test run to see if you like it as it costs nothing and can easily be wiped off. DM
 
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