John Aniano in Central NJ
David,

Can you clear something up for me - what are the exact differences between a Washita stone and a "soft Arkansas" stone. I have always thought they were the same beast, but I think I need to be straightened out. Are they really two different stones, or just differences in grading?

When I find what I think is a soft Arkansas stone at my local flea market, how can I tell if it is instead a washita stone? Density? Porosity?

I'm sure you or others have described this distinction before - perhaps you can just aim me in the archives as to the details...

John