How to Use a Sharpening Stone: Knives: Knife Sharpening: All About Arkansas Stones Tutorial

[@luistapia1942]

great presentation, I haven't seen anyone explain the stones in detail like you. thanks

[@RichardBlaine]

You are very welcome! Thanks for finding and watching my video! Cheers!

[@peterpamlockwood]

Hay folks have used these for years...simply the BEST....good on you USA!!! from Australia.

[@Sweetysalado]

Great to see you back, Richard. Awesome info in this video!

[@RichardBlaine]

+Sweet y Salado Thank you Diana! I appreciate you stopping by! Cheers!

[@anderslian1931]

i know im asking randomly but does anybody know of a way to log back into an instagram account..? I was dumb forgot the account password. I would love any help you can give me

[@luccaimmanuel7664]

@Anders Lian instablaster =)

[@anderslian1931]

@Lucca Immanuel I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm trying it out atm. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@anderslian1931]

@Lucca Immanuel it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much you saved my account !

[@thebaldchef14]

I think I am happy to see you back in action Richard, I would hate to see you lose your passion for making videos for you have a lot to offer. I wish you were cooking, but what a interesting historical video about these Arkansas oil stones.

[@RichardBlaine]

+The Bald Chef Thanks Glen! Cooking coming up! I just need to find my pots and pans in all of the boxes I packed! Sheesh!

[@thebaldchef14]

awesome!

[@Chris3836]

Thanks for taking your time to explain this. You do amazing work and I really appreciate it.

[@jasonkennedy9584]

Wow! You have a lot of knowledge about stones. Thank you for sharing. Loved every minute of it. I learned something today. Thank you.

[@mcshameus]

It's good to see you back. Love the video and the info

[@RichardBlaine]

+Chris Luna Thanks Chris I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and watch! Cheers!

[@Frilleon]

Happy to learn from you, friend. Always a pleasure to watch your videos. Thanks

[@RichardBlaine]

+Frilleon Thanks Frilleon I really appreciate that! Cheers!

[@CherylKCherylsHomeCookingshow]

Thanks for showing us,love the information! Have a great day!

[@RichardBlaine]

+Cheryl K (CherylsHomeCooking) Thank you Cheryl! Much appreciated!

[@jamesmiller360]

Lot of good information, thanks for sharing. Love to sharpen on my Arks

[@RichardBlaine]

I am glad you like the video thank you!

[@DawahTrucker2024]

Those are just some beautiful stones for their sizes, where did you buy them large size stones?

[@JCRamZ]

Very informative. I'm a big fan of Arkansas stones. 😀

[@jwesboy]

Richard: When using your black Ark surgical stone, should you use oil or water as the "media"?

[@jamesmiller360]

Very informative and helpful. Thanks for video, I enjoyed it an learned a lot.

[@RichardBlaine]

I am glad that I could be helpful to you! Thanks for watching! Cheers!

[@thomasgronek6469]

Thanks for the video. I have heard much bashing about black Dunston stones. Can you shed some light on the subject please ? are they just low density black Arks that are also novaculite, or a completely different composition ? (someone said they are slate, I don't believe that). I have a stone, sold as a surgical black, and I am beginning to wonder. I might need to buy one from a reliable source then do a comparison.

[@raymondpeterson3828]

I have a Puma hunting knife with 13RC stamped on it. I am using soft, hard and surgical Arkansaw stones. The knife edge is in excellent condition. I put 100 strokes on each side of the blade with soft stone with little effect. Am I looking at 1000 strokes per side before moving on to hard stone? Any help with this issue would be awesome. Thank you!

[@VictoriaPaikin]

Hi thanks for the info in the video can you make please video about best domestic knifes? Thanks :)

[@RichardBlaine]

+Victoria Paikin Done and Done!

[@bvmshjlove451]

Thank you for all the information. I am having trouble finding a 1” thick Arkansas stone. The link is for a 1/2” can you tell me where they are available?

[@DeanO]

Great information my friend.

[@RichardBlaine]

+Dean O Thank you very much Dean! Much appreciated!

[@jaylane82]

awesome information and insight to the Arkansas stones my friend. I only have experience with the sergical black handed down from my grandfather, but its very cool the find out about the others. :-)

[@RichardBlaine]

+Jay Lane Thanks Jay! I am glad you like! Take care of the black arkie I just love mine!

[@jaylane82]

It is a very good and very old stone about 2in thick and 3in by 3in. I mostly don't use it for its a keep sake to me. But when I do it still puts a razor edge you can shave you face comfortably with every time.

[@RichardBlaine]

Jay Lane I know the feeling!

[@CDeVries]

Nice video. Lots of good info. Just a quick comment since I'm from Arkansas. Ouachita is pronounced wah-shə-taw. Thanks again for the info.

[@XfubarX]

Hi Richard, I always find myself coming back to these sharpening vids of yours. I had a request though. Would you be able to do a video about how to properly do an axe grind on your stones free hand. Im not yet familiar with the care and maintinance of a axe with this grind. Perhaps im reading too much into it? Though if not a vid like this id simply request another sharpening video. I enjoy learning from you because you actually go into such detail.

[@RichardBlaine]

+XfubarX Done! Stay tuned! Cheers!

[@powerlinegf]

Great video. I've used Arkansas stone for quiet a few years and love them. It took me a while to adjust to them from carbon/silica. Once I did, I fell in love with them. I keep my Arks in my truck for use away from home. I use Shaptons while at home. Lately, I've been thinking about using my Ark black stone with my straight razor, but its hard to get away from the Shapton 8k. BTW, I sub'ed your channel tonight.

[@RichardBlaine]

+powerlinegf I like the Shaptons product as well but for the sake of shaving stick with the Shapton 8K over the black arkie! Thanks for watching and subbing! Cheers!

[@southwestnative2335]

good info thanks for the knowledge.

[@RichardBlaine]

+Kevin Morgan Thanks Kevin I appreciate you taking the time to watch! Cheers!

[@shaolindreams]

Very insightful. I have a old (probably low qual) combo stone that has been mistreated over the years with incorrect use or oils and the such. I would like to really clean it up as good as possible only because it was my late grandfathers sharpener and has a lot of sentimental value to me.. What is the best way to refurbish a 2 sided combo stone? Many Thanks :)

[@RichardBlaine]

+shaolindreams You might be able to clean it by soaking it in some Simple Green for a bit and then using the scrubby side of a sponge to scrub out any metal filings. If the stone is old I would not take the time to re-level the stone I would just clean it and put it away as the sentimental piece that it is! I understand completely!

[@shaolindreams]

Thanks man, i'll give it a good scrub with some solution. I'd still like it to be operational so i'll see how it goes i'm not in any hurry. Thanks for your advice man.

[@RichardBlaine]

***** Let me know how it goes!

[@bishopsblades-anoutdoorfam5991]

Another wonderful video. What brand was the Tri-Hone at the beginning?

[@RichardBlaine]

Norton Custom ordered trihone!

[@MasterofPlay7]

I think the black and translucent arks are same as jade/agate?

[@tinman1955]

Very good discussion. Can you tell us the best way to flatten a hard black Arkansas? I did my soft Arkansas and my Washita with 80 grit wet/dry sandpaper in a reasonable amount time but it barely scuffs the hard black one. Those things are amazingly hard.

[@RichardBlaine]

+Tin Man In all actuality if you use the black or translucent arkie the correct way it will be years and years and years before you even have to worry about leveling it. But I use a diamond and If I am being lazy I go to a machine shop and they do it for me!

[@tinman1955]

+Richard Blaine I expect you're right. Mine is 8 inches long and when I lay a straight edge across the length I see some daylight under the middle but the gap only measures 0.005 inches with a feeler gauge. It's a cool piece of rock but I have to admit that it's never done me much good. It's so fine and cuts so slowly it'd take me years and years and years to polish an edge with it. I've never succeeded at it. Maybe it's just me the darn thing doesn't seem very useful. I do much better work with a ceramic rod.

[@RichardBlaine]

Tin Man I LOVE a good ceramic rod! Works everytime!

[@michaelshults7675]

Richard, Will a translucent Arkansas handle supersteels and hard Japanese steels? I'll do most of my heavy work on Dmt stones, then use the translucent as a finisher. I read that arkys won't handle very hard steels even as a polisher.

[@RichardBlaine]

+Michael7 Rattlesnake I would beg to differ. If the blade is created and all you want to do is polish then the translucents will do just fine. The 8000 DMT would work as well just as a good stropping with the correct compound would work as well!

[@danield1938]

Very informative! Thank you! Love your sharpening videos. haven't watched you cook yet. lol. You have me turned on to the Mora knives. just bought my first one Mora companion heavy duty carbon steel! :) scandi bevel.

[@RichardBlaine]

+Daniel D I appreciate you taking the time to watch my videos! The Mora's ROCK! Thanks for watching! Cheers!

[@DanielWorkshop]

Nice video. Nice presentation. :)

[@WarrenSL]

Thanks for the video.

[@RichardBlaine]

+Warren SL Cheers dude!

[@gsg9ff]

Whats the measurement on that black arkie? 17:44

[@RichardBlaine]

+gsg9ff 10x2x1

[@gsg9ff]

Thanks. I know these can get expensive. What is your opinion on the Dunston stones on ebay? They look affordable.

[@RichardBlaine]

I have never used the Dunston brand so I can't say for sure but do not buy ANY stone that is only 1/2 thick! Always go with 1 inch thick stones!

[@TomCoteTheTomCoteShow]

looking sharp dude...

[@RichardBlaine]

+Tom Cote (Food Snot Food Reviews) Thanks Tom!

[@MyREDTAIL]

I am confused Between the soft & the Hard Arkansas oil stones.? which one do you start your sharpning on first.? The soft or the Hard.? etc.?

[@RichardBlaine]

In general if the knife is dull then you start with the soft and work you way up to the black or white translucent arkie!

[@peterlai9018]

Richard, great video! What do you think of Dan's arkansas stones? Are they comparable to Norton's? Thanks!

[@RichardBlaine]

They are both excellent choices!

[@HenryGonzalez]

Norton's is a very reputable company. And Dan's is fantastic as well. I prefer Dan's because the owner (Dan) is a mining engineer or some other such scientist and has his own mine. He personally supervises the quarrying of his stones, they are a bit pricier, but I've found them to be precisely cut and a very fine quality, no lapping required out of the box. And so far as 1/2" vs 1", if you go with Dan's it doesn't matter because their stones come in a holder appropriate for their size. Arks are my favorite for both my kitchen knives (Wusthof) and my woodworking tools. I hadn't heard of the controversy regarding oils vs dry vs water. I've always used oils on arks with no issues. I'm not sure I understand what the problem with using oil is (assuming you use an appropriate oil). Just lap with a 300 grit Diamond plate on the rare occasion that it is needed.

[@victornekrasov1510]

Hey Richard, loved the video. I know you're a diamond kind of guy and not sure if you addressed this in another sharpening video, but have you aver tried the shapton glass stones, i've always been curios about then but not many video reviews out there, probably because they tend to be a little pricy but just wondering your opinion?

[@RichardBlaine]

+Victor Nekrasov To tell you the truth most guys that are into sharpening like the Shapton Pro line better than the glass line and that goes for me as well. I have used them but I still stick to my diamonds!

[@test18258]

The translucent surgical black is absolutely beautiful with that even jet black color. Unfortunately too expensive for me at the moment. Do you know if there is any company making black ceramic bench stones? As in something like the spyderco ceramics made out of the same black ceramic as that one ceramic steel that you've shown in a video before?

[@RichardBlaine]

+test18258 Nobody I know of makes a black ceramic block and if they did it would be more expensive than the black arkie. I would save the money and see if Norton has any black arkies available. If not then try Hall's whetstones. You are looking at over $100.00 for a 10x2x1 black surgical!

[@test18258]

+Richard Blaine Thanks for the info! In regards to the black and translucent white arkansas stones. Will I be able to see any noticable difference if ive already got a spyderco ultra fine as well as a strop that is loaded with green compound? Or would getting one of those arkansas stones be redundant in terms of what I have now?

[@RichardBlaine]

test18258 Most likely redundant because the Green Veritas compound is like what 0.5 micron so between the sharpening and the spydie stone and strop you are doing great!

[@test18258]

+Richard Blaine Thanks for the info! Might still buy one just because of how awesome they look.

[@kthkitchen17]

Hey Richard, do you think a good quality black arkansas can produce a better mirror polish than a 10k naniwa stone ? Also what's the chance of finding a real good arkansas?

[@RichardBlaine]

+Wan Allen Naturally the Naniwa will produce a higher polish at 10K than a black arkie at 4K. Finding a good black arkie is getting harder and harder all the time and they are getting more expensive all the time. I used to get mine from Dans whetstones check with them.

[@calebgreen4150]

Richard I had a lot of questions about arks that were answered in your video. But one I'm still wondering about is what does the final Finnish look like? I want to purchase a finishing stone that can you achieve a mirror polish. After I finish on a extra fine dmt Could I achieve a mirror polish using true hard or a black? In your experience should I spend money on the arks or just go with say a Spyderco Uf? Thanks

[@RichardBlaine]

+Caleb Green You can get a great polish with the Spyderco UF ceramic which is roughly 2200 grit. If you want to go beyond that then the black or white translucent arkie is s good investment or the 4000 or 8000 dmt specialty plates. All are good choices! A strop is good to!

[@MyREDTAIL]

I have a Tri Stone that I bought years ago from Smokey Mt Knifeworks it works great I use no Oil n it only Kerosene I got this tip from a KZbin Video, the Kero works great & does not clog up the stones like the Oil does etc.

[@RichardBlaine]

You are correct on that point. If I were using and old fashioned tri stone and I have I like to use Simple Green!

[@ROMMEL8]

Hi Richard, thanks for the information... a couple of questions. I got the black Arkansas and spyder co ultra fine from the links you provided (also I have the spyder co fine & the DMT red and greed grits), and currently I'm using the ultra fine after the black arky because the ultra fine is slightly smoother than the black arky, now I know the black Arkansas (because they are natural) get smoother with use, so how long does it take? So far has been six 8'' chef's knifes (300 stokes per side aprox.) and is barely giving in, barely; and second, is there a way to speed up the process without damaging the stone? because I rather wait than screwing it up. Thanks in advance for your attention Richard.

[@bootsandgear]

Good video

[@peterlai9018]

Thank you for all the great videos on sharpening knives Richard!!! Does the Black Arkansas stone produce a finer edge than the DMT extra extra fine stone?

[@RichardBlaine]

The DMT Extra Extra are you taking about the 4000 grit plate? If so they are really close to each other in that respect!

[@peterlai9018]

Sorry, I meant the 8,000 grit one.

[@RichardBlaine]

The 8k plate will put a better polish and final edge than the black arkie but even after the 8k plate I will do a quick stropping on leather or cardboard. Just a little tickle!

[@glytch5]

From my understanding: True hard, and translucent are actually the same grit, they come from the same layer in the rock formations. The translucent is just more expensive because of the coloring. true hard and hard are different things. I also find that arkansas stones really depend on how the surface was lapped at the foundry, that will seriously affect how they feel and polish. If you buy from Dan's, they only grade in density, so you will get a hard arkansas that is totally black, I have one. White hard is an old clarification, way back when people used to grade arkansas stones by color, and sometimes color alone! Color has absolutely nothing to do with density apparently. Nothing like a nice edge off a good set of Arkansas stones! Thanks Richard.

[@RichardBlaine]

+Max Savino Actually the "true hard" and the translucent are not the same grit they are the same novaculite matrix but the matrix in the translucent is packed tighter therefore the better polish. The translucents are the only ones that are graded by the water to gravity test. Color has nothing to do with density because all of the stones can and sometimes will have color inclusions and that is ok. Some people are just superstitious as to the color and the sharpening quality. It is really old school that way!

[@isaacsung336]

Hi. recently im having problem with this specific knife I have. its unknown brand knife from china. it says "stainless" on the blade. Im finishing edge with 6k japanese water stone and the edge keeps coming out very toothy and if i look at it from real close there are microscopic chips alone the knife after even 6k stone. Ive had great results with these setup with other knives. mirror polish finish and smooth edge like a razor. I dont know whats up with this particular knife. its driving me crazy. I try to go feather light strokes for finishing strokes and still end up with toothy edge. any thoughts? thank you

[@RichardBlaine]

Can you send me some close pics of the knife itself and of the blade?

[@isaacsung336]

I sent photos of my knife to your email as well as more details

[@isaacsung336]

I just finished re-sharpening the knife and I noticed that when I grind off that micro burrs , they would rather chip off than be grinded and that seems to be the culprit. I don't know if it's my poor skill or the characteristic of a cheap steel but the steel do feel plasticky compared to other knives I have.

[@shanetidwell6883]

what kind of watch are you wearing?

[@RichardBlaine]

Citizen Ecozilla Prodiver!

[@shanetidwell6883]

Richard Blaine oh OK... I collect! so I had to ask... it's nice honestly I'm wearing a German made Detomaso Machineer right now, also just got the Xeric Xeriscope squared, honestly it's an amazing watch. just didn't know if you like watches, but there is another WatchStar American star or really any watch by them... just had to talk about watches for a sec... haha

[@shanetidwell6883]

Richard Blaine I don't have any "citizen" watches but have watches with their movements inside such as the Detomaso and WatchStar, Miyota is citizen I prefer automatic some mechanical but if you like a precise chronograph I'd go with anything Ronda! Renato makes amazing watches and they're Swiss hand assembled and mostly limited, also Invicta makes amazing watches for the price. I know it's nothing to do with knives but...

[@killingmon]

I would not pay 50$ for that small translucent. I got one a months ago 8''x 2''x 1/2 for around 70$. I do agree with the staying away from the combos though. lol- stoned here (sharpening)

[@michaelshults7675]

Yeah man I disagree to with what I read also. I just wanted to get your opinion, because your the Arkansas stone expert/guru. Do you think the translucent Arkansas will handle 62 RWELL and above when polishing? Buy the way I have learned a lot by watching your videos. Keep on making those videos please. Thanks again, Michael Shults

[@powerlinegf]

+Michael7 Rattlesnake I sharpen my Benchmade 810 on my Arkansas stones. The steel is CPM M4 at hrc 62-64. It is a little slower than my Sharpton Glass Stones, but gets the job done.

[@MasterofPlay7]

how about japanese natural whetstone?

[@asstrole]

Great video. Thanks. btw, Ouchita is pronounced Wash-uh-taw

[@josmon5305]

Friends, mineral oil 100% pure medicinal use will work well in ARKANSAS stones? The Arkansas stones work best with correct oil? Import the original oil edging is expensive. Thanks,

[@yalgret]

+Lúcio Lourenço Faraveli Try olive oil

[@aethertech]

Can you recommend (if possible), a holder for a translucent arkasnas stone I've got from a Buck sharpening kit, (s37.photobucket.com/user/300bucks/media/GreyStone.jpg.html) its the small stone at the top. If they even make or can make-to-order sort of thing?

[@RichardBlaine]

+aethertech Dude that is an old kit but a goodie! That is a pretty small stone and I don't know of any holders that will hold it right. What I would use is a small piece of rubber mesh like you would put in your kitchen cabinets and kitchen drawers. That stuff is really sticky and will keep your stone from moving!

[@aethertech]

Good to know it's a good piece of rock. I tried using the various "sticky-pads" and stuff, but the issue is that it's so small, that even with sticky carpet padding, or even trying to velcro it down, it just doesn't work - to low and either still slides around or is unstable. I'd really like to get it into a holder that adds some substantial weight, and brings it up off the work surface ( a foot long length of 4x4 kinda works with a damp towel, but isn't very nice to look at.)

[@RichardBlaine]

+aethertech Agreed! For a stone like that I would have used a piece of 2x4 and the damp towel but now to think of it if you used a piece of 2x4 or 4x4 stud grade wood and then go to Home Depot into the flooring dept and buy a slice of smooth rubber flooring sheet then cut it and gorilla glue it to the piece of stud grade you are in business!

[@aethertech]

I never actually thought about gluing it. But the same problem I think persists with the stone being so light and small that it will just slide off. I'll try a peice of 4x4 and glue a strip of rubber to it, but I might have to eventually rent or buy a router.

[@RichardBlaine]

Don't glue the stone to the rubber the rubber to the wood and if you get the right kind of rubber the stone won't slip off believe me!

[@angel_machariel]

Well well well, somebody traded his Potato 2000 for a HD camera. Next stop: reading the manual :)))) You go sir!

[@RichardBlaine]

+A Freethinker Muchas Gracias!

[@tonyoveka5719]

I have a Smith's sharpening Kit SK-1 that has a soft AR stone 4 1/4" x 1 3/4" and a hard stone 3" x 1" with a can of homing oil. How do you draw a large knife over the small stone. Any comments?

[@RichardBlaine]

+Tony Oveka How large of a knife are we talking about?

[@tonyoveka5719]

+Richard Blaine I have knifes from 3.5" to my chef knife 8" and a 12" carving knife. I have a hard time drawing the blade to get an even cut along the entire length.

[@RichardBlaine]

+Tony Oveka You really need to get some larger stones or diamond plates. If you have lots of blades I would consider getting stones or diamond plates at least 8x2 it in the long run will be so worth the money.

[@thewalnutwoodworker6136]

Most of the difference in the same feel of the same stone ratings is due to how it was lapped/finished.

[@31415geon]

interesting

[@RichardBlaine]

+Jawad Ibrahim Thanks Jawad! Cheers!

[@31415geon]

***** well. I saw videos about people getting their knives hair whittling sharp with the spyderco ultra fine ceramic. So I am trying to imagine what a surgical black arkansas stone can do. Cheers

[@tyalexander9568]

I'm sorry to be that guy, but I'm from Arkansas, and Ouachita is actually pronounced (Wash-it-tah) it's a really weird name I know.

[@RichardBlaine]

Copy that!

[@lead5s]

@richardblaine tells everyone to stay away from the 1/2 stones and leaves a link on where to buy a 1/2 stone, nice

[@mountainmade9798]

I just ordered half inch plates...shit..

[@RichardBlaine]

Get a refund toward one inch plates and if not just use them to death and get one inchers when you can!

[@chris-ij4vc]

I've always used water on them never oil. Water more abundant free, oil cost $ & not always there.

[@marciabevilacqua86]

If you want to make woodworking just use woodprix handbooks

[@ib6ub9ar1]

Sorry, but I didn't see it in the comments. Just to let you know, it's not 'Wa-sheeta' it's 'Wa-shi-taw'. Just so you don't sound silly to the people who live there or belong to the tribe.

[@710thcenturydigitalboy4]

just want to say to anyone who might see it, avoid these, avoid any free hand sharpening, it'll only waste your money and force you to admit you can't be bothered so you buy a guided system that much quicker.

[@GeneralGiggleMuffin]

LOL. We're gonna sit around and get stoned huh? XD

[@indianapwnz9328]

+GeneralGiggleMuffin If you can get stoned and still stay sharp at the same time :P

[@GeneralGiggleMuffin]

indianaP wnz hah XD. the puns are strong with this video and its comments!

[@RichardBlaine]

+GeneralGiggleMuffin :)

[@jethrobodine7102]

Me thinks I just use my car door window for knife sharpening.

[@Sproutt]

I just hot stoned

[@jerrygolden832]

It's not Wash-ee-tuh emphasis on ee it's pronounced WASH- UH- TAW with the emphasis on the first syllable. With due respect, just trying to help. Not many non- natives get it right, almost 0.

[@Gorkilein]

There's no man made finer stone... Maybe get some information on knife Sharpening before you talk... Don't need to see any more of this...

[@ryanburbridge]

Why don’t you explain what you mean. Don’t keep your hard earned information to yourself and leave us to the wolves.

[@randalphillips]

He needs to learn how to pronounce Ouachita. It's Awchitah, not washeetug.