Why do I never see Arkansas stones mentioned for sharpening? Woodcarvers use them a lot for sharpening their chisels and gouges.
Jim
Jim
I use my Grandfathers old oil stones, heavy almost black and look like a natural product rather than a manufactured abrasive.
Could they be Arkansas stones ?
Enjoy using them, kind of an heirloom and they put lovely polish on the edge.
Cheers,
Pete.
Those are most likely the Black Surgical Arkansas stones that typically fall in the 2000-4000 grit if they are of fine quality or 1500-2000 grit if they are typical quality. Either should give you a very nice finished edge.
In my experience, the Norton Translucent and Black Arkansas, White Hard Arkansas and Soft Arkansas stones are the best of the best. I enjoy using them even more than ceramics. They have a feel that transmits how they are sharpening and can give you info through your fingers when it's time to flip the blade or change to the next finer grit. They really rock when they are good ones.
Hall' and Dan's are the best of the rest and typically have frequent inclusions and mineral deposits that cause soft spots.
Arkansas' don't have to cost a fortune. Just have to look harder to find the good ones.
:You_Rock_