Is this stone a good choice?

O

Okeechobeeman

Joined
Jan 26, 2005
Messages
3
Hello everyone, this is a great fourm. I've learned so much in the last couple of days my mind is on overload. I like hand sharpening and need to purchase a new stone. I wanted a couple of your guys opinions of this stone I found on the net. I would be using it to put an edge on my kitchen knives and my everyday poket knife (Old Timer Stockman). Thank You,Okeechobeeman

http://www.888knivesrus.com/product/AC22
 
That's sort of like the Smith's Tri-Hone that I use...It's an excellent sharpening tool.
 
It would give you a lot of flexibility for a reasonable price. Be sure to use the pull-down box and select the 8-inch long version. The longer the stone the better and quicker the stones will work. It is well worth the price premium to get the longer stones. As a rule I like to have a stone that is a couple inches longer than my knife blade. Once you get over an 8-inch stone this is less critical. For 8-inch kitchen knives you would be very greatful if you got the 8-inch stones.
 
I purchased a similar looking one from Sportsman's Warehouse... I didn't think the quality of the stones was that great. I actually found a Med/Fine stone at Sears for about 9 bucks that was better.... if you're on a budget. Otherwise, I would go for a little better quality. FWIW.
 
I am not familiar with that brand, but I used Washita Soft for many years. These are generally good stones, but they are slow cutters. In this format, they are also narrow, and I wouldn't want to sharpen anything larger than a penknife on a 4 inch by 1 inch stone. I'm currently using an 8x2 inch synthetic that was cheaper and is quicker than the Arkansas Soft.
 
Yeah, this link really illustrates my biggest complaint with Arcansas stones: Once you get to the high quality natural stones you are talking big bucks ($200 for a 8x3 stone). You can get a top quality synthetic water stone of the same size for half the price and the rest scales roughly.
 
PS. These are called "Washita Mountain" stones. The inference that you are expected to take is that these are natural Washita stones like you get from Arkansas. I don't think that these are actual Washita stones. It is just the brand name. I suspect that these are artificial silicon carbide or aluminum oxide hones. This is good and bad. It is bad because the Washita stones have a much smoother surface and leave a much finer finish. It is good because artificial stones will cut a lot faster. Even though I suspect that these are cheaper artificial stones I think that they will work well for your purpose. If the stones seem to wear real fast don't press too hard as you work. That way you will get a finer finish on your edge.
 
Thanks for all of the replys, I think I'm going to purchase it. After using it I will post my opinion of how good it was for me. Thanks, Okeechobeeman
 
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