Cferrer1983This goes for Cferrer and behr95 which seem to have similar questions. Arkansas oil stones aren't the best tool to sharpen high carbon steel like S35VN or M390, sadly... What's recommended is diamond sharpener like DMT duosharp and the such. To get a nice polished edge, make sure to get the proper level of grit (Low/high or low/medium/high). And if you're new to sharpening, I suggest practicing on something other than expensive knives before attempting the pricier ones. I've killed at least 3 knives before getting the proper angle/edge. :)
karendarWhat about the Japanese water stones? I've been reading a lot about them and watching some videos. How do you think that they compare to those mentioned?
ChristovichWhetstones would do the job, from what I've read... But you'd need a lesser grit (600/1000 grit) stone and a higher grit (3000/6000) stone. Personally, I own a 1000/3000 for my knives and it gets the job done. However, I haven't tried on high carbon steel, as I don't really own any. Just what I've picked up from learning how to sharpen my knives. :)
Cferrer1983I sharpen everything on Arkansas stones: straight razors (old high carbon), kitchen knives (X50CrMoV15), 1095 high carbon, D2, O1... the list goes on. Works just fine, if you know what you're doing with a flat rock, and you can keep angle of the edge to the stone consistent.
Keep in mind that Arkansas stones cut considerably slower than synthetic options. They can be frustrating on harder steels (D2 comes to mind) if you don't know what you're doing. Practicing on something softer (440 series, 14C28N or similar) can be a good way to learn.
Arkies are great, if you want a long-lived natural stone with very little maintenance, and you have the patience to learn how to use them properly.
karendarThe Soft Arkie is the lesser grit stone. The Hard Black is very fine: sufficient for a straight razor hone.
Traditional high carbon steels (1095 and similar) are easy to sharpen. I've used Arkies on O1 and D2 tool steels with decent results, but it does require some patience.
Cferrer1983I wouldn't try M390 on the stones. There are people who have reported sharpening M390 on ceramic stones. I'm not sure I would try anything with vanadium carbides on stones. I have diamonds, mostly, so it's no an issue for me.