Quote Originally Posted by persco View Post
I am a bit confused and would like some advice regarding the choice of a finishing stone. I am currently using a belgian coticule to maintain the edge on my razors, and am getting a pretty good result. I use CrO2 on a bass wood bench strop to refresh the edge, what would be the best choice for a final polishing stone before the paste?

I have read everything I can find on the Chinese 12K (some like it, some say it is not very nice to use compared to a thuringian hone. But many people seem to think there is no sharpening benefit going from a coticule to a thuringian (or Escher). Is there a good reason to progress from the coticule to a Chinese 12K? Would I be better off getting a Shapton 16K? Then there is the Spyderco UF? Although I've read it is difficult to lap.

I guess I am looking for a little guidance as to what would be the best route to go here. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Pros/Cons, etc, of each.

I posted this thread here in advanced honing because it is here I read all the threads about the Chinese 12K, the 'new' Eschers, etc.

Thanks in advance,

scott.
The Chinese 12K stone is truly an excellent polishing stone for the initial expense! All of the other stones including the Chinese 12K must be lapped before utilizing. The Chinese 12K stone is time consuming when it comes to lapping, but it is also the least expensive by far of the aforementioned stones. I'm curious as to whether your Belgian coticule is a yellow or a blue? If it is yellow, in my opinion this stone is superior for polishing to any of these other stones. Just ensure you are properly stropping on leather to achieve that finely keen edge that you are seeking. I now utilize a Chinese 12K personally for polishing if you have any further questions regarding this natural stone.