Gatco 4" Natural Soft Arkansas Stone GAT80040

The Gatco 4" Natural Soft Arkansas Stone is built for professionals and serious outdoorsmen who prefer traditional sharpening methods over throwaway solutions. This isn’t a man-made abrasive — it’s genuine, 100% natural Novaculite, quarried from the ancient stone beds of Arkansas and long trusted for its ability to refine edges with absolute control. Soft Arkansas is the go-to for maintenance and light reprofiling work, ideal for bringing hunting knives, EDC folders, and precision tools back to clean utility without over-grinding or overheating steel. If you’re the type to sharpen with intention instead of guessing — this is the grade you reach for.

Each stone is precisely cut and skillfully lapped flat to deliver a consistent contact surface from end to end, something synthetic budget stones often fail to maintain. The density and composition of Novaculite produces an exceptionally fine abrasive structure, giving you the tactile feedback to feel the edge forming with every stroke. It won’t crumble, burnish unevenly, or clog quickly like soft composite stones. With a little honing oil or water, it produces a smooth, controlled polish that leaves working edges shaving-capable while still retaining bite — the sweet spot for real-world cutting.

At just four inches, it’s compact enough to ride in a pack, tackle box, or range bag without ever being a burden. Field sharpeners so often compromise on quality for portability — this one doesn’t. Gatco pairs it with a fitted hardwood storage case that protects the stone from fractures, warping, or contaminant grit, ensuring it’s ready every time you open the lid. Whether you sharpen from a bench or on a tailgate, its stability and finish inspire confidence.

This stone is purpose-built for the craftsman who values gear that improves with age rather than degrades. Properly cared for, an Arkansas stone like this outlasts most knives you’ll ever own — and only gets finer with use. For hunters, woodworkers, bladesmiths, and anyone unwilling to settle for mystery abrasives or disposable gimmicks, this is a permanent addition to your maintenance kit.

Order it today from SMKW!