Soft Arkansas Stones - Arks 101a

[@michaellaughlin8689]

That stone is beautiful.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Agreed, happy honing!

[@rickwhitson2804]

I love my Norton's and Arkansas stone's. I've got one of each. The black Arkansas is probably my favorite

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Happy Sharpening !

[@Miroku-Tono]

Always revisit as a great reminder. Back into soft arks big-time in the last few weeks. Zen. Truth, each stone has its own merits. Cutting vs polish. Magic! Greatly appreciated as always.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Thank you! Happy Soft Arking!

[@miguelperaza6615]

Superb, Amazing, high def. close up pictures . 👍

[@zenaldiak]

I know is a lot from then, i rewatching your videos from time to time, almost every time notes some new aspects of the informations you put on, it just maybe about selective memory, or based on other info &experiences taked between watching , but everytime enjoy it from start to finish. I'm very interested in vintage stones, especially for curving and leather cutting tools where i use until 10000+ grit for finishing. I'm not in razorhoning, but i'm interested in honing blades. Almost 10 years from i start to think on arky's, but just recently i manage to bought a very old black arkansas, very dark black, heavy\dense, but is a bit little, just perfect for final finish my cutting tools after some darkblue slates i have, is about 30x55x85 mm. I saw that size\form on several videos. No label's or box, it was betwen several german vintage stones i bought from a fellow, he even not know what it is, me either for first impression, was just a hunt😊 Now i wait to come a washita i bought few days ago, some vintage and darkbrown 8x2", without label\box . I'm courious how it wil be after cleaning and lapling it. Thanks for the work you put in this videos, a lot of value in this information's,. Cheers from Transylvania! Gyula

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Cheers! Thank you for commenting and watching! Happy Sharpening!

[@miguelperaza6615]

You got a super beautiful collection of stones ! I'm crying real hard now cause I don't got some like you 😞😪😭

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Better to be happy and grateful for what we have; than to worry about what someone else has.

[@svenlexa]

Hi Keith you make very good videos about Ark stone. I have a quastion about a Ark that I bought from a shop. The stone should be a white hard Ark stone bout it look like more like the Washita. How can I send you a Photo from the stone that you can look on it give me your opinion what it can be. It cuts faster than an black ark or transluzent but makes a very good edge on a knife.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Hi, I can't tell what type of stone it is by a photo, I'd have to use to to be able to tell. If it is new, It is probably not Washita because they don't mine that vein anymore. There are a few Washita sold by Dan's but they are more like a soft Ark. These days, a lot of stones sold as a "Hard Ark' are very close to the 'Soft Ark' spectrum. That is probably what you have.

[@vitodelorto1796]

I have a Washita, I bought at a garage sale for $5, 8-2". I never knew what it was until this vid. It was oily, nasty, completely metal covered and nasty, when I got it. I degreased it, flattened it, and have been using it for years. I never bought a kick ass hone stone. All I ever knew was it was my favorite hone stone. I love it especially for straight razors. Anyway, thank you for that info!😂

[@davidkeeley8473]

I've been using JNATS and Synthetic waterstones for years to sharpen western tools. Recently, I was gifted a box of several Washita stones from the turn of the century. I've boiled the oil out of them and lapped them flat. I tried using water, but eventually they do load up. I thought I would try a water soluble oil. Thanks for the video and valuable information.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Hello, thank you for watching and commenting David! Yep, some sort of oil is usually best with these. Happy Honing.

[@MrHeavychevy86]

I've got one of those fuller chisels without the handle because I beat the handle off cutting through aluminum and steel. Those fullers are hard high carbon steel and tough as hell.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

I've had them since I was about 16-17 yr old. I've beat the hell outta them too. I just grind them back and start over. Got my $$ worth outta them for sure. Thanks for watching and commenting! Happy Honing!

[@MrHeavychevy86]

Thanks you have great content on here I'll be watching.

[@fishmanfish1525]

this video is awesome...ark addict here! the picture of the side by side stones is eye opening. thank you!

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Always good to hear that those little photo details are helpful! Thank you for that, and watching and commenting too!

[@JDStone20]

That Soft Ark is a nice looking stone. It looks like it has the Mandelbrot Set Fractal on it

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Heh, yeah it sorta does!

[@hosseinordoubadian5439]

Thanks for the Ark tutorial. After about one year on one of your JNAT set ups (dozens of honing sessions and several restorations), I am looking forward to trying some new techniques and stones such as Arks. This series will be helpful!

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Awesome! Glad that Jnat set is working well for you! Arks are great stones, lots if fun to be gad there.

[@johnnyboydianno]

Hi Keith thanks for the vid great stones arks are one of my favorite great info as always cheers

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Hey Johnny - you must be an Ark fan to go through 3 vids in a row! That’s dedication - keep up the good work!

[@marty5627]

Hi Keith, Great video! I’ve been thinking about moving away from synthetics towards arks and was trying to get some info on soft arks vs Washita. I think my conclusion is” Get a few stones, try them out, and don’t make any generalizations because they are natural stones and there is gaining to be some variation!”

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Basically, that's all true. If you get a 'modern' washita, then it'll be mostly like most soft arks. If you get an old Washita, then things can get tasty. Always best to evaluate naturals on a case by case basis though - so you're on the right track. Happy Honing!

[@TimShaves]

Nice video Keith! I've been watching a lot of your honing videos and enjoying them a lot. Do you think soft/hard Arks can be used as finishing stones? If not, which Ark do you think serves best as a finisher?

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Hello, thank you for watching and commenting! The densest Arks are what most people use for finishing. I am pretty sure there is a video about them in the playlist for Arkansas stones.

[@TimShaves]

@@KeithVJohnson1 Thanks. I think a Black or Translucent will be the best options for finish but I'm interested in how the soft/hard affects the edge. I'm looking forward to experimenting with them.

[@vitodelorto1796]

There are a lot of tools that it is just not worth trying to make straight razor sharp. They just won't retain that kind of edge. Medium stone sharp and a hard strop will keep chisels shaving wood with precision, until you hit a nail or some bird shot😂

[@bamafaninky861]

Suggestion need a video on Washita and Translucent.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Hi, thanks for the suggestion. I may make more Ark videos in the future.

[@ared18t]

@@KeithVJohnson1 I would very much enjoy that

[@vincentrubino8152]

Keith, yet another good video! Could you comment on the effect that Lily White’s, #1 Washita’s, and Soft Arkansas have on a razor’s edge? You mentioned that with light pressure the edge could be somewhat “toothy”. Are these soft Arks capable of putting a smooth edge on a razor?

[@KeithVJohnson1]

That’s too long and complex of a topic for here. Too many variables, personal opinions, etc. Broad sweeping statements won’t apply here.

[@blade4vor905]

Very interesting video, Keith! I have an Ark that I've had for (holy shit) 40 years. It is older than I am. This has me needing to dig out that old rock and see how it's doing. Oh, and I gotta say, "PENGUIN DOWN! PENGUIN DOWN!" lmao Thanks! Cheers! -Rob

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Hey Rob, thanks for watching and commenting! For sure, go dig that old Ark out !!!

[@mattoakley2246]

I have a serious question. What would your recommendation be for a progression of Arkansas stones be? I've been sharpening for years but have limited experience with Arkansas. I'd appreciate any advice you can offer. Thanks for your time. The videos are great.

[@mattoakley2246]

BTW I only sharpen razors and knives. Thanks again.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Hi - thank you for watching and commenting! The stones you choose depend on your skill levels, what you are going to sharpen, and the extent of the sharpening you need to do. I would advise getting in touch with a trusted dealer and discussing your needs with them, that way they can advise based on what they have in stock.

[@rychlypavel5962]

Hi Keith, great video as always. I use softer Ark as my favorite knife sharpener. I will try experiment to hone razor on it. I think it would be fun. I have one unrelated question for you. Do you have any experience with Morihei Hishiboshi hones?

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Thank you for watching and commenting! I do know those stones but I won't comment on them publicly. At some point I may borrow one do do a review but I don't have any plans set yet.

[@miguelperaza6615]

Are u from New Jersey or New York? Not Boston ha?

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Brooklyn, NYC.

[@francesco2647]

Why some natural stones have the whole thickness as a working surface and some or all jnat? only the top layer? i'm curious. I tried google but couldn't figure my question.

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Hi, I don't understand the question.

[@francesco2647]

@@KeithVJohnson1 I'm sorry Keith, English is my second language, sometime make extra effort and people don't get me. You know how many times in the street i say something to people and how many time i hear them say WHAT??? lol. Anyway beside the fact that i'm newbie on the whole straight razors, what i mean is some natural stones look like a uniform block of same material from top to bottom, while some jnat like the one i bought from you, i see they have a top thin layer where you work the blade and below that looks like a different material including the carpet under etc. If that is so? then why?

[@KeithVJohnson1]

@@francesco2647 No problem. This discussion though is way off topic, has nothing to do with the video. So I would like to put it to rest. As for the question, I'd need to see a specific stone to comment on it. Ty.

[@francesco2647]

@@KeithVJohnson1 Thank you Keith, i'm sorry i went off topic. I am going to hone now and be happy with your gorgeous jnat, if i could put it in a frame on the wall i would because is so beautiful but then NO HONING NO GOOD :) TY

[@KeithVJohnson1]

@@francesco2647 Happy Honing !

[@MrHeavychevy86]

It's all how you want to use the ark. If you want to use oil, water, or dry it's ok experiment. You'll find what you like.

[@jfg1104]

Keith I have a a black soft arkansas...what's your email, that I can send you a picture of it and you could shed some light on this stone for me ? I just recently acquired it, are these good for finishing razors? About how long do you use them (time), to finish on? Mine came in a wooden box. I know that's subjective. But say from a 5k synthetic to finish? This is my 1st time honing on an ark. Thx for your help, in advance. Buon Natale my brother!!

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Hi - thank you for watching and commenting! Unfortunately, there is no way to evaluate a stone by looking at a photo. When honing, you’re done when you’re done, how much work it takes to get to ‘done’ depends on many variables.

[@jfg1104]

@@KeithVJohnson1 point taken...have you ever heard of my soft black as a finisher? And...I already know, there's no two stones alike. Where one soft black might have the density to finish and another one won't. But in your overall experience? Also, I know there's no grit rating, but again a generalized grit margin? I know there's no absolutes...I've watched all your videos Keith. Thx bruddah

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Generally speaking, the term finisher is task-specific. Finishing a chisel on a soft ark, sure. Finishing a razor on a soft Ark, not a commonly heard of concept. Have people done that? Probably - long ago Washita were used to finish razors. About grit ranges - I don't like to discuss 'grit' when it comes to Arks, the concept doesn't apply - too many variables, to many unknowns and a number doesn't help anyone sharpen anyway. I tell everyone the same thing - use the stone, see what it does. What it does for you - it what it is to you. I once met someone that uses a hard Ark to set bevels on razors... seems odd to me but he's happy but I won't be saying hard Arks are bevel setters any time soon.

[@jfg1104]

@@KeithVJohnson1 I understand! I'm using it for straights. I watch and comment on all your videos . My old screen name was "sons of Italy". We've chatted before. I'm slightly versed on stones and geology...etc.. Although, nowhere near your level of proficiency. I'm honing the shit "Gold dollars". They dont seem to take an edge, or hold an edge, for the matter to well..lots of geometry issues as I'm sure you're well aware of. BTW, the name on the wooden box reads " Smith's medium natural Arkansas stones. My issue with them, like most is, they're soooooo sllllllooooowwwwww cutting.

[@fishmanfish1525]

When will we see "hard ark" video?! Perhaps do one comparing the new arks that have flooded ebay/amazon that all have the same little sticker--"genuine Arkansas stone", I am not sure these are the same stone as the older stones...….they don't ring the same? Am I crazy? The magical sticker is on multiple brands and the stones have all become THIN. ----Arkaddict

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Hello - thank you for watching snd commenting! I haven’t shopped Amazon for Arks, but I have had many new Arks that were thick and excellent. The thinner 1/2” offerings are popular because of price, so there will be a lot of them out there.

[@fishmanfish1525]

Keith, What are your thoughts on "blue" translucent stones?

[@KeithVJohnson1]

I judge stones based on their own merits, not by color/vein/etc.

[@joeyripswell]

morning If you google “washita” you will see that just about the only place to buy one new is by the company Case. have you seen this? it looks like a soft(med)Ark pattern but looks are not everything. already have a soft(med) Ark and i don’t need another. thanks in advance... ✌️

[@KeithVJohnson1]

Over the years, some questionable 'Washita' have shown up, many have been rebranded stones from knife makers. I don't pay much attention to those stones.

[@joeyripswell]

Keith V. Johnson i like Case(the old HC single blade classics) but that’s what i was thinkin haha thanks

[@robertlewis3116]

Dan’s sell them new.

[@fishmanfish1525]

"whoooooosh, where did my whiskers go?" LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheElektrikChair]

Hehe 👌