“May be great value - Maybe not”

“I purchased a 6x2x0.5" translucent stone (factory 2nd) online and lucked out. One side had a tiny chip on the edge that lapped out and a tiny pore that doesn't affect honing. Other side has a large crack that seems stable but I just don't hone on that side. Truly translucent white/light gray it has some purplish spots of color and is a beautiful stone. Very Very fine grit - feels like glass. This is a polishing stone for already keen edges and I feel like I need an intermediate grit level between the hard ark and this, it's that fine. I give 5 stars to this particular stone. I went to my local STP and looked at an 8x2x0.5" translucent they had there (2nd as well) . It was somewhat finer than a hard but not truly translucent and noticeably coarser than the aforementioned stone. Both surfaces were littered with deep pores from pinhead to a full 1mm in diameter most of which were quite deep and I don't think would lap out. I give that particular stone 0 stars. Thus a middle of the road 3 of 5 stars... My advice - it's worth the risk to spend the minimal $$ on the 5 or 6" translucents but I wouldn't gamble more than that. BTW, the hard ark puts on a really fine polished edge and is all you likely need for 99% of knifework (my soft is nearly as keen but a good bit faster)...”