Thread: First hone- which should I get?

Okay, so I have two straight razors both of which need a touch up on a hone. Now most people have recommended a Belgian and others a Spyderco UF, which one do you gentlemen think I should get. I'm really concerned about price I don't want to spend too much and I can only afford one. Reading other posts I'm leaning toward Ardenes couticle, does any one know how much the duties usually run for the states? Any and all info and recommendations even other hone recommendations would be much appreciated.

Many thanks,
Serg

I recommend a Belgian coticule from Howard at the Perfect Edge. Then you won't have to worry about duties or expensive shipping.

I Agree, but I think coticules are awesome stones to work with since they're all so different from each other.

You might want to think about a 2"x6" or a 2"x8" natural combination (Belgian Blue & coticule) hone.
I have purchased several hones from Howard at the Perfect Edge and have no hesitation buying more. He is a great guy.

Originally Posted by Stagehand

You might want to think about a 2"x6" or a 2"x8" natural combination (Belgian Blue & coticule) hone.
I have purchased several hones from Howard at the Perfect Edge and have no hesitation buying more. He is a great guy.

+1. BBW/Coticule combo is the most versatile hone around.

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

X

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