What is Arkansas stones and what is the benifit over other stones

J

jonsforeal

Joined
May 28, 2009
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17
So I'm trying to figure out differant types of stones for sharpening blades. I need to sharpen AUS 8 and other stainless. I was thinking about Arkansas stones but dont really know what the differance is between those stones and other.
 
Arkansas stones are natural stones mined from novaculite (a type of rock) and cut and lapped to shape. I used them for a long time and they will work for AUS-8. I prefer man-made stones now, mostly because they cut faster and give just as good or better an edge. I would steer you toward a Norton Course/Fine India stone. These cut quickly on the coarse side, and will leave a hair shaving, and with practice, hair whittling edge. Also, "other stainless" covers a lot of ground. If you can be more specific, the advise will be better.
 
Here is a chart that shows the relative speed and fineness produced by various hone types. Note that the Arkansas stones cut relatively slowly.
attachment.php
 
Great chart, but you probably need to update it to include 4" DMT extra extra fine, which according to their documentation is about 8000 mesh / 3 micron particle. I can get a hair splitting edge from it.

DMT also has extra extra coarse (120 mesh / 120 micron) that cuts metal real fast. I use it strictly to reprofile stuff.

Edit:
Regarding arkansas stone, it's good enough for softer steel like 420HC, AUS 4, AUS 6, AUS 8, 440A and the like. The major advantage is that it doesn't cost an arm and a leg like Japanese waterstones or DMT diamonds.
 
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That shart is good for anyone who wants to know a bit more on sharpening equipment! Well Done!
 
It's an old Norton chart. Norton waterstones tend to be coarser than Japanese for a given grit rating.
 
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