Stone sources

R

Rebel4ever

Joined
Oct 18, 2014
Messages
346
First post as a new guy. I'm into guns mostly but with my obsessive traits, that got expensive fast. So on to my growing obsession with blades.
I have a small collection of Benchmades and a variety of others. I want to get better at sharpening them. So, aside from the systems, I'm looking to get some good quality stones. Where is the best place to look for variety and value?
I would really appreciate any guidance here. Thanks for looking.
 
I would go with arkansas stones, there much slower but produce an awesome edge, and they will last a lifetime.
 
Well, if your lucky flea market's and antique stores hold very old good stones. But there's Dan's whetstones, halls, Indian mountain stones, Norton (which is manmade) everyone seems to be on a diamond stone craze. But they don't do nearly as good as Arkansas stones. Imo. That's just about all I use. I have doubles just in case.
 
jendeindustries.com

They sell high quality Nubatama Shapton and Chosera stones , along with a variety of strops and compounds.
 
The best value is probably a norton crystolon. They're under 20 bucks for an 8x2 stone, and being made with silicon carbide will cut modern supersteels without a problem. The norton indias are good too but work better on the less wear resistant traditional steels. Arkansas stones work best as final polishing stones, they really don't cut very fast at all and if you try and use them to resharpen a dull modern steel knife you'll find it an exercise in frustration.
 
Doesn't get much more traditional than japanese waterstones. Unless you just want natural stones then it's a bit more complicated than just naming off a few Arkansas stones.

To start out I would recommend Shapton pro 1k and 5k stones, hard and fast cutting ceramic waterstones that produce exceptional edges. Although slow wearing you will need to keep them flat and you will also need something for coarse grinding. To take care of both needs the Atoma 400 would be ideal.

I get most of my stones from chef knives to go, and sharpening supplies.
 
Shapton stones are great. Although I'm not to big on waterstones the wear out to quick. But on the other hand they don't clog like Arkansas. But if you keep Arkansas clean they will cut exceptionally. Just a matter of preference. There are many great options to choose from. :)
 
Thanks. I will check into all those options. I'm using the Lanksy system now but really want to become good with the stones.
 
What lansky are u using? I have one, I have the regular stones the diamond Arkansas stones the ceramic and the sapphire. It's my go to alotta the time.
 
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