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Ark stones are great on the softer steels, I finish all my softer stainless knives on an Ark. But when you hit 60RC and above, like many Japanese knives, you really want waterstones. I have a carbon Opanel at about 61RC and the Arc does nothing much good for it. Any imperfections on the Ark's edges will really reek havoc on the edge of a hard knife. And they just cut too damn slow to deal reasonably well with harder steels.
Stones are no big deal though, a really great 1-6K combination waterstone stone will set you back just about $100, and perfectly adequate ones can be had for around $50.
You haven't told us what you want to spend. As an idea, in a 9"very good can be had for <$150, significantly better can be had for <$250.
Also, some Japanes knives are very thin at the edge and have to be handled accordingly, ie: stay away from bones and other hard stuff; show good technique on the board, no twisting.
Looking at just some recent posts is a good idea.
Rick
Stones are no big deal though, a really great 1-6K combination waterstone stone will set you back just about $100, and perfectly adequate ones can be had for around $50.
You haven't told us what you want to spend. As an idea, in a 9"very good can be had for <$150, significantly better can be had for <$250.
Also, some Japanes knives are very thin at the edge and have to be handled accordingly, ie: stay away from bones and other hard stuff; show good technique on the board, no twisting.
Looking at just some recent posts is a good idea.
Rick
