Arkansas Sharpeners

Natural Arkansas whetstones are mined in the mountains of Ouachita, Arkansas in the US.

Arkansas sharpening stones are very durable and more effective at grinding than classic waterstones. Due to its high hardness, it rarely requires lapping or leveling.

Arkansas stones consist of novaculite, which is microcrystalline 99.9% pure silica. As these are natural stones, their grain size cannot be precisely determined.

When grinding on Arkansas natural stone, honing oil should be used. Arkansas whetstones are therefore also called oil stones.