Let's Talk Arkansas Stones

Joking Aside..I Don't Envy You there..That Stone is All Over the Place Going by that Photo..Well..For a New Stone..

Billy..

 

It's a good project for me.
Keeps me outta trouble. I like the hunt for the perfect edge.

It's going to take me a few days to get it all done. I'm glad I started with the 220 grit. Here's a picture of the 600:

 

Using the rough side of the tile might be part or the problem. It might be letting the grit fall into the grooves. Try using the polished side, and see if it speeds up a little.

 

That's a moot point at this juncture. The tile is polished on both sides now.
LOL...All tool marks have been polished out. I figure it ought to get really shiny by the time it's over.

 

Now, it's time to lap the other side of that Arkie.

 

I think that I'm going to wait until tomorrow for that. I've got the mess cleaned up and my arms are tired from a full day at work and doing the one side.

 

Good job. What grit are you going to end with, on both sides?

 

Well I'm going to duplicate your stone at first and see what comes. You seem to like the results.
I got finer grits to go finer if need be. Might try it if I feel like it will help. But considering the work...Might be a bit before I try.

 

If it makes you feel better, once the stone is flat, the rest of the progression goes pretty fast.

 

didn`t thought you had scandinavian snuff in the U.S. that is goood stuff!!

 

I've had good success with four different arks for my dad. I'll start off with 80 grit, and progress up to 500 grit SiC powder on granite. A little goes a long way. I only use between a 1/8 to a 1/4 tsp with water at a time.

 

Once those Arkies are Flat n Smooth 10 Min Laps them through to a Higher Grit..10 Min at Most..No Big Deal..No Drama..

Billy..

 

Yeah... After lapping the other side I went ahead and got the 600 grit out and lapped both sides with it. I was amazed that it went that fast.

I also had to get out the wet/dry sandpaper to blunt the edges of the stone. They were starting to get sharp and brittle enough to chip.

Feels really good like it's going to put a nice polish on the edge.

I'm going to finish the 1000 grit side tomorrow...It's late and 4am comes early.

But one thing I did notice....This piece of granite is getting worn out. It's getting dips on the side I've been using. Gotta flip it over and use the other side tomorrow.

 

I read all these Arkie prep stories and I begin getting sympathetic aches in both arms. As intriguing as it may be to refine and burnish these stones (there are many threads on a variety of shave forums depicting and describing all the efforts), I can't help but wonder "does the end (a smooth, shave-ready razor) justify the means (the extraordinary amount of time and effort to prep)?"

I'm all for trying out new stones and getting the most from them, but goodness, I read stories of 2000-3000 laps on a single razor and hours upon hours spent leveling and burnishing. I read these lengthy episodes and am glad to do a few quick laps with a dmt on a synthetic and natural stone and get to doing what I purchased these stones for: to hone razors quickly and efficiently.

As I've stated earlier in this thread: these hard arks can produce a wonderful edge...but are these edges significantly better or smoother than those off another natural to justify the aerobic workouts required to make a stone ready? An arkie owner is more apt to answer 'yes' perhaps due to comparative analysis and experience, or perhaps to find purchase justification.

I'm not trying to rain on the arkie parade here- my apologies if it comes across this way. Perhaps I'm just trying to convince myself that I don't really need one ...which is probably a sound enough reason for my posting this.

 

So if you spent an extra $50 on the Dan's stone, would you guys avoid most of this work? I mean exercise is good too, but time is money?

 

You are doing some of us a service with your post. The 8X2 black Dan's Arkie has been languishing on my wish list for many weeks. You are helping me to resist. Thank you

 

Yes. They are really close from him. You may need to do a tiny bit to verify it is lapped flat.


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Thanks. To me that would be well worth it.

 

Me too. Quit this

 

Buy them and build some muscles. No need to pay for your gym membership.


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