Tups wrote: Anyway, I’m hoping this thing is a hard Arkansas so I can find out how that will affect my sharpening.
Welcome here, Tups.
The stone appears to be a White Hard Arkansas, but no matter what it is try using it. I suggest using water instead of oil.
If it's a White Hard Arkansas it wont affect your sharpening much unless you have a pretty decent edge on your blade.
That is a hard stone.
A softer stone like a Oushita or Waushita (SP) Arkansas or the coarser carborundum stones (still using water) will give you quicker results because they remove metal faster.
Or even better, use a 500 or 800 grit water stone to create an edge and work on up to your liking.
Buy big stones. The country is awash with large and small stones for cheap. Buy all of them.
It's great to see that you went in the direction of an old timey sharpening stone.