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Showing 1 of 68 conversations about:
Lukehrli
0
Jan 22, 2018
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Didn't see it answered yet, so I'll ask. What grit are the stones, or what grit does the set range from?
Dermott
267
Jan 22, 2018
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LukehrliYou can see other replies from me, further down.
There is good info on Arkansas stone grit here: https://www.danswhetstone.com/information/stone-grades-101/
This drop lists Soft (4-600 grit equivalent), Hard (800-1000), and Hard Black (2-3000). Dan's lists Soft (6-800), Hard (800-1000), and Hard Black (1200+). "True" Hard, Translucent, and Hard Black are all at the same approximate grit equivalent. Actual results depends on the particular stone you get; some people prefer one colour or the other.
Keep in mind that Arkansas stones cut considerably slower than equivalent synthetics. They require practice, skill, and quite a lot of patience.
If you're interested in natural stones, definitely pony up the extra money for the large/3-stone kit. The larger stone size (particularly the half-inch extra width) will make sharpening anything larger than a small pocket knife easier. The Hard Black stone is a nice bonus, if you're sharpening anything fine, like kitchen knives (or razors).
I've been using Arkansas stones for probably 15 years. My granddad taught me. I can probably answer if you've got questions.
Disclosure: I don't actually have any of the RH stones. I've already got a full set of similar stones from another reseller, but these look good, and the price is GREAT. If I didn't already have a set of bench stones, I'd buy them.
This drop lists Soft (4-600 grit equivalent), Hard (800-1000), and Hard Black (2-3000). Dan's lists Soft (6-800), Hard (800-1000), and Hard Black (1200+). "True" Hard, Translucent, and Hard Black are all at the same approximate grit equivalent. Actual results depends on the particular stone you get; some people prefer one colour or the other.
Keep in mind that Arkansas stones cut considerably slower than equivalent synthetics. They require practice, skill, and quite a lot of patience.
If you're interested in natural stones, definitely pony up the extra money for the large/3-stone kit. The larger stone size (particularly the half-inch extra width) will make sharpening anything larger than a small pocket knife easier. The Hard Black stone is a nice bonus, if you're sharpening anything fine, like kitchen knives (or razors).
I've been using Arkansas stones for probably 15 years. My granddad taught me. I can probably answer if you've got questions.
Disclosure: I don't actually have any of the RH stones. I've already got a full set of similar stones from another reseller, but these look good, and the price is GREAT. If I didn't already have a set of bench stones, I'd buy them.
Dermott
267
Mar 30, 2020
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MotardSoft + Hard is a good combo. Not sure what I think of the wood/capped combo stones like this... I'm partial to a flat, loose rock, myself, but Dan's stones have a really good reputation. Given the size of the stones, though, they look a bit expensive, to me.
1 5/8" width is going to be your biggest limitation. It'll work great for small/medium pocket knives. You can sharpen larger knives on them, but it's going to be more difficult to keep the blade flat against the stone.
Dermott
267
Mar 30, 2020
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MotardIf I were buying new, again? I'd be looking at Dan's wide bench stones.
They're more expensive, but you get a LOT more surface area. The wider stones are much easier on long knives, like chef knives. 10" blade on a <2 inch stone is just... not fun.
Get at least the soft Arkansas in the extra wide format, since that's where you'll spend a lot of your sharpening time. The finer stones are pretty cost prohibitive in the 3" wide format, so I'd step down to 2" standard bench stones for those. Don't be afraid of the 1/2" thick stones. You're not going to wear them out like you would a Japanese stone.
6" length is fine. 8" is better, but it's a price/niceness problem...
ETA: Arkansas stones can seem a bit expensive, but they'll last you forever.
Don't be afraid of getting JUST the soft Arkansas stone. You can sharpen everything you need, short of a razor on it, to paper-popping. It's plenty good enough for kitchen work.
Once you're dissatisfied with that, or if you just enjoy sharpening, add finer stones as you have the cash and inclination.
(Edited)
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