Dan's Whetstone Sharpening Stone - 8" Translucent Arkansas Stone

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)...

Extremely fine - using it to sharpen our ceramic knives.

This stone works great on all my knives and I am very happy with the sharpening results using this stone! It creates a beautiful polished edge on all my knives that has hair jumping off my arm when tested for sharpness. As for being a second, I can't see any reason why the one I received is considered a second. If you need a great stone that will finish your blade edge to perfection, this is the one.

No doubt, this stone gets my knives to razor sharpness. On pocket knives like a swiss army where the edge begins close to the handle and there is a lot of width to the handle, the wood box gets in the way. You just have to take the stone out of the box and hold it.

Great piece of Arkansas Stone.

This sharpening stone and its' case are almost a work of art, even if the manufacturer labels them "seconds." Along with the occasional bottle of honing oil, this should meet sharpening needs for at least several lifetimes.

It is exactly as advertised...a piece of stone. Don't know why these are seconds, there are no discernible flaws or defects. I'm using it to put an edge on a handmade Alaskan hunting knife.

Every purchase I have made from Sierra Trading Post has been a winner. My husband has been very pleased which is all I want. He is thrilled with the results from Dan's stone. Since I am from Arkansas it makes me doubly happy. Completely recommend considering making any purchase from Sierra!

I expected some blemishes/discoloration since this is a 2nd, but the stone is perfect. I've used it on my kitchen knives to practice so I don't mess up my good pocket knives. Top quality, great results, great value. Get it before it's gone...

Wusthof Solignen Steel Knives Have FOUND ' Their ' Ideal Stone ! Truly ' Shaving Sharp ' Quality *&* Preserving The Perfect Edge on The Blade Without Losing ' Any ' Appreciable Steel. The ' Factory 2nd's ' Designation Isn't ANYTHING To ' Shy Away From '. Novaculite Stone Had The Loveliest Rose Blush Throughout The Base Mineral. By The Way, ' Equivalent ' Stones , Hand Made For Sushi Knives In Japan, In Ceramic, Can Cost HUNDREDS Of Dollars, For a Price Comparison !