Replies

1. 
   john_c2 | Jan 02, 2024 06:48pm | #1

   On the right-hand picture, it looks like two different color stones laminated together. Without better pictures and cleaning the stone first, I'd bet money on a course/fine combination India stone. They sold about a gazillion of those.

   Don't be precious. Get a stiff brush and soap and water and give it a good scrubbing. It's way past due.

2. 
   gulfstar | Jan 02, 2024 07:42pm | #2

   The only natural black stone I know of is an Arkansas black, the finest grit natural stone available.

3. 
   esch5995 | Jan 02, 2024 08:33pm | #3

   I will agree with Gulfstar it's likely a black Arkansas. Being a natural stone they aren't graded like man-made stones and can have varying degrees of hardness and grit within them but are generally considered to a rough equivalent of a 6000 grit waterstone

4. 
   georgep | Jan 02, 2024 11:31pm | #4

   Definitely not a laminated stone. Doing some research, I believe it is a black Arkansas stone. I will clean it up as suggested. I figured it was a fine grit (softer stone?) from the silky feel.
   I thought I read once that the older black Arkansas stones, and maybe other types of Arkansas stones in general, were higher quality than later produced stones. Have no idea where I may have read that though.

1. 
   esch5995 | Jan 03, 2024 05:46am | #5

   You are correct in that the general concensus is that the older stones were of higher quality for whatever reason. Arkansas stones in general have lost favor for most sharpening needs having been replaced by modern waterstones and ceramics.

   Man made stones have the advantage of being available in many more grits and higher grits for an even more polished edges and are more readily available in all price ranges. I would definitely hang onto the one you have although I'm not sure I would go back to using it as my primary sharpening method.

5. 
   georgep | Jan 03, 2024 09:53am | #6

   Honestly, the reason I want to lap (it needs it) and use this stone is because t belonged to my Dad. I would never get rid of it. There is a certain satisfaction knowing I am doing part of the sharpening process on the stone he used. Even if it is only a few ceremonial strokes before I go back to my more modern stones.

1. 
   esch5995 | Jan 03, 2024 03:45pm | #7

   Totally understandable. Just be careful not to contaminate your water stones with oil from the Arkansas.

6. 
   gulfstar | Jan 03, 2024 08:14pm | #8

   Arkansas stones may be less popular but they are my go to stones for sharpening. The black is anything but soft, it’s hard and very fine, I only use it if I have time to spare to get this extra sharp edge. Yours will need to be flattened, I never had to flatten mine, they are still as flat as when I bought them.