Let's Talk Arkansas Stones

Discussion in 'Straight Razors' started by DaltonGang, Mar 17, 2017.

  1. Leclec13

    Leclec13 Well-Known Member

    Any have comparison between

    White translucent vs black translucent

    White hard vs black hard

    Curious because I heard that some prefer one over the other

    ps. Thanks for enabling I see another hole in my wallet on Monday!
     
  2. Zykris

    Zykris Well-Known Member

    I'm sure there will be others that can give a more detailed answers but from what I've gathered, there is a color variation in translucent and hard Arks. Don't know if either has more density than the other just based on color.
     
  3. JohnDB

    JohnDB Well-Known Member

    From the stone cutters "there is no difference in grit or performance...only color and cost"

    Basically the translucent is harder to come by, usually is in smaller sizes...and both black and translucent can have streaks of either translucent or black respectively. My black has a translucent spot one one side but it's almost invisible...I'll never be able to get a pic of it. And it's hard to spot when I'm Looking for it with just my eyes. Translucent in 8x3 or larger are either gone and mined out or don't exist. (I haven't seen any available for purchase)
     
  4. Robert1955

    Robert1955 Well-Known Member

    :):):)
     
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  5. Leclec13

    Leclec13 Well-Known Member

    http://www.naturalwhetstone.com/productssharpening3.htm has 8x3 trans $150-200

    i'm a new convert/believer in the trans ark!!!! (approx. 1400 grit US / 12,000 grit Asian)

    i heard someone say that they like the white trans better, because of better feedback?

    i currently have to use my regular progression then finish with trans ark to get a great edge, i find the coarse/soft too coarse and too big of jump to go from coarse to trans....

    i ordered a hard black today to cover the mid range maybe (approx. 800k US)

    above site 3 stone kit says soft (approx 400k) hard (approx. 800) black approx (approx 1200)

    is any one using arks exclusively from bevel set to finish? if so what stones are you using?
     
  6. Zykris

    Zykris Well-Known Member

    I use an all Ark progression. Soft, hard and surgical black Ark. Each different grit finishes. Works fine for me. Trying to see if I can justify grabbing a true hard and a translucent but I think with each Ark having different grit finishes, it gets me where I need to get.
     
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  7. Leclec13

    Leclec13 Well-Known Member

    I see different levels/names / classifications from different web sites/ purveyors (confusing)

    My recent understanding is

    Coarse
    Hard
    Hard black
    Translucent

    (dont even get me started on washita i have a #1 and it feels like 5-8K)

    where does surgical black and true hard , black hard fall into this hierarchy?
     
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  8. Billyfergie

    Billyfergie The Scottish Ninja

    The Surgical Black I have I Reckon its around a 20 K Finishing Capacity...I have had a Couple of Translucent Arks & the Surgical Black MAY have Just a Finer Finishing Capacity than the Translucent...Maybe..I Use Oil..Bisley Gun Oil..;)

    Billy..:chores016:
     
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  9. DaltonGang

    DaltonGang Ol' Itchy Whiskers

    I have heard the same thing, when I researched both the Translucent and the Surgical Black. After reasearch, I went with the Surgical Black. I have no regrets, getting the Surgical Black.
     
  10. basil

    basil Well-Known Member

    I’ve been lapping the underside of my convex ark. Mostly flat now and I’ve been running some knives over it to smooth it out. Enjoy the edges it gives. Can’t wait to run my razors over it too.
     
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  11. Robert1955

    Robert1955 Well-Known Member

    I just bought a used black ark from ebay....I have no idea what grit it will be... It looks loke most any other greyish stone but when wet it is high gloss black, it is a 8"X3".... What can i expect
     
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  12. DaltonGang

    DaltonGang Ol' Itchy Whiskers

    Pics!!!!
     
  13. Robert1955

    Robert1955 Well-Known Member

     

    Attached Files:

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  14. Robert1955

    Robert1955 Well-Known Member

    Another
     

    Attached Files:

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  15. Robert1955

    Robert1955 Well-Known Member

    Another
     

    Attached Files:

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  16. DaltonGang

    DaltonGang Ol' Itchy Whiskers

    Thank you. I feel better now. :bounce015:

    ..
     
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  17. Leclec13

    Leclec13 Well-Known Member

    that picture looks much more promising!

    concerned that it is grayish when dry?
    looks like a finisher wet

    i'm guessing it is at least a 10K-ish stone

    worse case scenario its a fine pre-finisher

    let us know how it works out
     
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2019
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  18. Zykris

    Zykris Well-Known Member

    [​IMG]
    New Surgical Black I got in a trade. 8 x 2 x 1/2. Upgrade from the 4 x 2 x 1/2. Now time to lap and finish her up. SiC powder here we come.
     
  19. Zykris

    Zykris Well-Known Member

    [​IMG]
    1st pic above. Flattened and lapped to 320. Probably go higher like my other surgical.

    [​IMG]

    Last pic above. Flattened and lapped to 2000. Not bad on time either. SiC makes it a lot easier.
     
  20. Timwcic

    Timwcic Well-Known Member

    Nice stone addition. When it comes to lapping, SIC is your best friend
     
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