What grit is are surgical black arkansas stones approximately?

[Bladenoobie1]

I have recently acquired a nice scandi style bushcrafter. The thing is, I've never sharpened a scandi grind before. I do know that the edge should be polished, not toothy when cutting wood hence my question: Is the surgical black arkansas stone fine enough to give a scandi grind a more polished edge? I do also have shapton glass stones up to 4k. My only concern should I use the glass stones, is the carbon o1 steel rusting while I sharpen.

I will be trying ideas others brought up, such as adding baking soda to the water, but sharpening on the arkansas stone with oil seems more easy as I don't have to worry about rust during sharpening. Anyhow, thanks for reading my concerns and responses will be appreciated.

- BN

EDIT: Also to note, the knife has a smooth black patina on the flats along with a coating or marine tuff glide. In combination with baking soda water, would this be enough to avoid rust? Assuming I dry the knife periodically?

 

[David Martin]

That grade Arkansas stone is about 1K. DM

 

[Jason B.]

Your 4k waterstone is finer and will work better to sharpen the scandi grind. Rust shouldn't be a issue if the blade has a patina.

 

[HeavyHanded]

It really shouldn't rust while you're working on it. In general I find that storage and carrying them all the time with little use will encourage rusting more than any other reason. I've treated the inside of all my leather sheaths (and lined my Kydex with leather, also treated) with hot wax. Knives that used to blossom in a couple of days or faster will now go for long periods of time with no problem.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

Your question has been answered, but it reminded me of the time I wet sanded a light (what looked like crappy paint) off of my Schrade hollow handle knife. It took about 5 minutes (max) and I couldn't believe that it started rusting so fast. The steel is a 10xx high carbon.

I have read that a super clean raw carbon steel will rust ultra fast. Maybe that played a role?

I quickly added a patina and haven't had any issues since.