Soft vs Hard Arkansas Stone

F

FishingHook

Joined
Jun 27, 2015
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Hello I heard somewhere that even though in theory soft Arkansas is more coarse and hard Arkansas is more fine, in actual practice there really isn't much difference in soft and hard Arkansas stones.
Is it true?
Anyone have difference experience with soft and hard Arkansas Stones?

Thanks
 
Soft stones cut faster. They are not coareser, but sharper, and do not last as long as hard stones.
 
Thank you for the reply!
Oh my understanding was that Arkansas Stones are supposed to last few generations...... was it not?
 
These posts are NOT making sense. I'm not talking theory.
Soft Arkansas stones, cut a little more than hard Arkansas stones. They also wear faster. Still, the soft will last a long time. Not as long as the black hard. But the 2 stones are for different purposes. I hope your not sharpening complex stainless steels on Arkansas as they have limits. Use them for high carbon and Basic stainless steels. I gave you several sites to read in. I'll give you another to educate yourself about Arkansas stones. Dan gives much information in his site. DM
http://www.danswhetstone.com/questions&info.htm
 
You can also search in this forum utilizing the little window above beside the magnifying glass. Type in Arkansas stones and many old topics will pop up. Which you may read about this subject. DM
 
Both the soft and hard seem to be good for polishing an edge. the soft and hard leave a finish more closely related to a 4000 grit and 8000 grit water stone. They're not really good at sharpening dull edges. They work better if you don't use oil and just sharpen dry, scrubbing them with soap and a toothbrush after sharpening.
 
The soft is close to 500 grit American (20u (not Japanese) whereas the black Arkansas is close to 1200 grit (American). The Arkansas which sharpens is the Washita. It removes more metal. Still, is slow but will sharpen a dull knife and is 400 grit, American. Hope this clears up some misinformation. DM
 
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