Thread: First hone- which should I get?

You could also consider ordering a Norton 4k/8k combo from Lee Valley. All funds are in Canadian dollars on their site and it's a great stone.

Norton Water Stones - Lee Valley Tools

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Howard is a great guy. There are lot's of vendors out there. Shop around. You might be able to find some that are less expensive. Bestsharpeningstones.com is a lot less expensive. I somtimes have some on the classifieds as do other members. Check the Classifieds, You can get one at much lower price.
They all come from the same Quarry in Belgium. No one has better stones than anyone else, believe me. There's even much debate about so called "Vintage Coticules" Coticlues are 500 million years old, They All come from same quarry. What difference does 100 years make...Actually, Howard told me that, but it makes sense....Rob in Belgium will tell you the exact same thing. Every Coticule is unique unto itself.

Thanks Zib, I've actually looked at those before for the same reason you specified. I have not purchased from them because I hear tell of how the coticles are all different and some are best for tools rather than razors. If people have had good results from their coticles, I'll be more than glad to purchase from them. Any more info would be greatly appreciated.
I really like their kit with the blue and yellow coticle both 6"x2", now if I pull the trigger; should I get the soft or med. slurry stone?

Serg

From the original post it seemed to me that all that was needed/wanted was a stone to do touch ups and a fairly inexpensive one at that. If that is true, why not a barbers hone for say $25?

Probably because I have heard so much of the coticles and how they are so versatile. But barbers hone is another option. Where do most people get them? I don't have an e-bay acct. or care to open one up so that route is out.

Thanks,
Serg

Originally Posted by zib

Howard is a great guy. There are lot's of vendors out there. Shop around. You might be able to find some that are less expensive. Bestsharpeningstones.com is a lot less expensive. I somtimes have some on the classifieds as do other members. Check the Classifieds, You can get one at much lower price.
They all come from the same Quarry in Belgium. No one has better stones than anyone else, believe me. There's even much debate about so called "Vintage Coticules" Coticlues are 500 million years old, They All come from same quarry. What difference does 100 years make...Actually, Howard told me that, but it makes sense....Rob in Belgium will tell you the exact same thing. Every Coticule is unique unto itself.

I don't doubt you, but I'm still scratching my head trying to figure out why one vendor would charge more than 50% more than the next for what is an identical stone?

Originally Posted by pjrage

I don't doubt you, but I'm still scratching my head trying to figure out why one vendor would charge more than 50% more than the next for what is an identical stone?

Howard might be a bit more expensive, true but I'll tell you this. If or when you get a coticule from Howard you know it's going to be an awesome one because Howard inspects each coticule and rejects the ones he doesn't find good enough. He knows exactly which coticule to choose. So basically you'll be getting the right coticule for the job. If you have a specific request for a hard or soft one he can help you too. That's a small premium you pay for. Customer service and dedication.

Originally Posted by Maximilian

Howard might be a bit more expensive, true but I'll tell you this. If or when you get a coticule from Howard you know it's going to be an awesome one because Howard inspects each coticule and rejects the ones he doesn't find good enough. He knows exactly which coticule to choose. So basically you'll be getting the right coticule for the job. If you have a specific request for a hard or soft one he can help you too. That's a small premium you pay for. Customer service and dedication.

Good points Max. IMO, good customer service like that does go a long way. I don't mean to further hijack this thread, but what exactly are the differences between hard and soft coticules with respect to honing straight razors? Any reason to prefer one over the other or do they provide the same results (with the only variation being the normal difference between coticules) with just a different feel? Or is it reasonable to assume that the performance, on average, will be considerably different for a soft vs hard coticule?

EDIT: Found the answer to my own question. Here for those interested.

I do the same. I'm in contact with Rob Celis pretty much weekly. He hand picks my orders for me. If I'm not satisfied with any stone he sends me, He replaces it. I only import Select Grade, Medium Soft. I can, However accomodate any request for whatever reason. You want a combo, pink, hard, soft, whatever. I personally inspect every stone under magnification to make sure it has no cracks, Fissures, imperfection, whatever. All do respect to Howard. I've purchased stones from him to, but I don't skimp when it comes to Customer Service either. He charges more because people pay it, and he has a great reputation. I have and sell the identical stones. If someone is not satisfied, for whatever reason, I gladly take them back. I'll even take one back if they want to upgrade to a larger stone. If you email me, I do get back to you in one day. Sometimes it seems no matter what you do, or how hard you try, you can't get a break. Even if you just about give away your stone to try and get some props. That's how one vendor can sell his much cheaper than another. It's not because corners are cut. You just try and hang on. As a matter of fact, Any member here can contact Rob Celis of Ardennes Coticule and ask for yourself.

IMHO get a Norton 4/8 learn that stone, then after you master it, add any stone you want and expand your honing knowledge.... In fact the Norton starter set is probably the best first buy there is at about $120 shipped then later when the RAD bug bites you have the tools to fix those E-Bay razors too......

Starting on a Coticule unless it is just for re-touching a shave ready razor, is a hard row to hoe....