OK I have an unused knife honing set that I got from my grandfather many many years ago and have never taken out of the box. I've watched honing tutorials on youtube and elsewhere. However, these stones aren't labeled by how rough they are. They are labeled "Arkansas Hard" and "Arkansas Soft". Can I use these to hone a razor and how?
Hard vs Soft vs rough and smooth.
- Thread starter KI4TFT
- Start date
They can be used for razors, but they need to be flat, and they require practice to get the most out of them. A hard Arkansas stone will set the bevel of your razor, but really you need a higher grit for finishing, like translucent or surgical black.
Some discussion here http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/154006-finishing-a-straight-with-a-translucent-arkansas
and here http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/121329-Grit-level-of-Arkansas-Translucent-stone
Some discussion here http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/154006-finishing-a-straight-with-a-translucent-arkansas
and here http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/121329-Grit-level-of-Arkansas-Translucent-stone
If the stones are flat, the Arkansas stones can be used for razors. The soft should make "quick work" of establishing a bevel (quick is relative, Arkansas stones are slower than some other options), and the Hard Arkansas will take you up the curve quite nicely. Depending on how hard your Hard Arkansas is, you may be able to get a good shave off it. I can shave off my Lily White, which is commonly thought of as a Medium Arkansas. It's not really comfortable, but it will shave. Good Luck!
- Thread starter
- #4
Yes, soft arkansas has a coarser grit that hard.
I would say it depends on what state your blade is at. If it is shave ready, and just starting to tug, start on the hard. If it needs work, start on the soft and work your way up to the hard.
What size are they and are they new or just unused by you?
