Buck Arkansas Stone?

[zakjak221]

I recently got a Buck #130 stone,case says hard Arkansas stone...apparently they sold different number stones...130 thru 138.
Some of these were hard stones....I was wondering what the differences were?
Thanks

 

[David Martin]

Arkansas stones are graded and sold by density / specific gravity. The denser the harder. There are generally 5 grades accepted with Arkansas
stones. The most coarse is Washita 500 grit, Soft (and soft white), Hard 1K, Translucent 1100 and Black hard (jet black) 1200 grit. The jet black
have mostly been mined out. Be happy if you can get a good Translucent or grey hard (not quite black) stone. Still, these are slow cutters and
struggle much beyond 420 steel. I have applied some SiC slurry to my Washita stone and used it to sharpen. Which helped speed
things up. I don't use my Arkansas stones much any more. They were known for a different era. I do like your early 118. Got a story you care to share about it? DM

 

[zakjak221]

Thanks Dave...the 118 was a gift from my uncle many years ago.
He’s probably the guy that got me into guns,knives & outdoors.
I’m thinkin he also had a Buck stone but I never knew why Buck had so many no’s on these?
Between the 118 & my old 110 two dot..they’ve field dressed & butcher more deer than I can count. Some Midwest rabbits,squirrels n doves too.
Really a big fan of the 118,it just handles & feels right to me.

 

[David Martin]

Thanks Dave...the 118 was a gift from my uncle many years ago.
I’m thinkin he also had a Buck stone but I never knew why Buck had so many no’s on these?
.

You'll have to further explain this last sentence.
The first stone Buck offered to customers for keeping their knife tuned up and sharp was the model 101, a crystalline (SiC) stone. It is a 2.25x4"
grey stone in a khaki colored box. The stone is about a 500 grit and the right material to cut 440C steel of that era. But it was short lived and
the Arkansas's came out. Which could not cut that steel. Thus followed the reputation that Buck knives were Soo hard to sharpen. I think had
that first stone been offered for more years guys would have used it and been able to touch up their knives in short order and noted this. Then
a different thinking would have prevailed. Your welcome. DM

 

[DeSotoSky]

...apparently they sold different number stones...130 thru 138....

In 1985 the following model numbers are listed. Not all are stones.
130 Hard Arkansas stone, small
131 Washita stone, small
132 Honing oil
133 Honing kit with 2 stones and oil
134 Washita stone 2" X 5"
135 Arkansas stone 2" X 5"
136 Honemaster sharpening guide
137 Steelmaster sharpening steel
138 Edgemaster round sharpening steel
139 Knife oil kit with lubricating oil and small brush
140 Mini-Sharp 2 ceramic sharpening rods

There is also the Triple Sharp TS4. 3 different stones mounted on a triangular wood base.
Listed as coarse, medium, and fine. Came in 4" 6" 8" or 10" lengths.

 

[zakjak221]

Thanks Desoto,I had some bad info on these stones.

 

[Ace Rimmer]

But it was short lived and
the Arkansas's came out. Which could not cut that steel. Thus followed the reputation that Buck knives were Soo hard to sharpen.

Thanks for this. I never could sharpen my two-dot 110 on that stone. Finally got an Eze-Lap diamond rod and was able to do some good with it. Always wondered about that stone!

 

[David Martin]

Ace, you're welcome. Your experience is a common statement I hear. Yep, the right stone material makes a difference. DM

 

[Makael]

Product Info for Buck Knives Soft Arkansas Stone Knive Sharpener
Keep your knife razor-sharp with a high-quality sharpening stone. Whether you own a pocket knife, a hunting knife or a kitchen knife, a sharpening stone is essential for preventing your blade from becoming dull. Most of our sharpening stones are lightweight and portable, so you can use them at home or take them with you wherever you go.

Specifications for Buck Knives Soft Arkansas Stone Knive Sharpener:
Fabric/Material: 100% natural Quartz Crystal Novaculite stone
Additional Features: 500-600 coarse grit
Size: 1-5/8 x 4-3/8 in
Included Accessories: Includes Black nylon sheath

 

[David Martin]

Mak, that's a good photo of that stone. Thank you, DM