Been following the r/chefknives subreddit for about a year. Now coming here for knowledge about rabbit hole that is japanese natural stones, as well as more in-depth discussions of knives, sharpening, and setups. Excited to learn more!
Hi from Arkansas
- Thread starter supersum1
- Start date
Help Support Kitchen Knife Forums:
Welcome to the forums
Arkansas is where I grew up and probably where I will end up again eventually! Welcome to the forums!
Well, being from Arkansas and curious about natural stones, how about them Arkansas natural stones? They work good on Japanese knives too. Heck, people around the world collect them. 
Hey, thanks for the welcome!
@HumbleHomeCook I remember using an Arkansas natural that my grandfather gave me when I was just a kid. Unsurprisingly, results weren't stellar; I had no idea what I was doing. I've been thinking of trying again for my pocket knives, as I have gotten better at freehand sharpening. Most of them are modern super steels (S30, S90, CPM-3V, etc), and I've heard even synthetic whetstones are very slow.
@HumbleHomeCook I remember using an Arkansas natural that my grandfather gave me when I was just a kid. Unsurprisingly, results weren't stellar; I had no idea what I was doing. I've been thinking of trying again for my pocket knives, as I have gotten better at freehand sharpening. Most of them are modern super steels (S30, S90, CPM-3V, etc), and I've heard even synthetic whetstones are very slow.
I wouldn't use an Ark for those high-alloy steels. Novaculite is much softer than the vanadium carbides they contain.
Diamonds/CBN stones are friend for those.
But, for when appropriate, you definitely have strong Arkansas supporters here such as @cotedupy and @stringer.
I don't know that is where I would start if you're just beginning to build a sharpening kit but don't dismiss them as you go either.
