Hard Black Arkansas Replacement Stone fits Norton IM313

This is a direct replacement for the Norton IM-313 sharpening system. Stone measure 11.5" x 2.5" x .5" in size.

Q. Is this Hard Black Arkansas stone made for the Norton IM-313 stone system?

A. Yes, it is a direct replacement for the Norton system.

Q. Is this made by Norton?

A. No, it is not made by Norton. It is made in Arkansas, USA.

Q. How do the grits of Arkansas Stones Compare to each other?

A. Arkansas Stones are graded not by grit numbers like other types of stone, but by their density and hardness. The less dense, or softer the stone, the coarser it is. The more dense, or harder the stone, the finer it is. The coarsest Arkansas Stone we carry is the Soft Arkansas. The Hard Arkansas is in the middle of the Arkansas stones, and the Hard Black and Hard Translucent Arkansas stones are the finest.

Q. How does the grit of the Hard Black Arkansas Stone compare to other types of oil stones and Arkansas stones?

A. The Hard Black Arkansas Stone is the finest Arkansas Stone. All Arkansas stones are finer than the Fine India and the Fine Crystolon stones, so they make an excellent next step from those stones.

Q. How fine of an Arkansas Stone do I need?

A. The decision of what stone to finish with is a personal one depending on what kind of edge you desire. In general, a Soft Arkansas stone will leave a good edge with a bit of tooth. A Hard Arkansas will leave a more refined edge that is more highly polished. And a Hard Black or Hard Translucent Arkansas will leave a very refined edge that is approaching mirror fine.