Thread: Beginners Tips: November 2014

Well written, thank you.

Nice job!

Thanks for the tips, they are always very helpful.

I'm going to disagree.

Coticule is the way to go, you can go from near bevel set to finish on one stone..... So why the hate? ( they're pretty easy to identify at least a range of grit and cutting speed based off of grain and texture....)

Thanks for this! I'm glad to see water stones are recommended; that's what I am comfortable using for my knives. One quick question; it seems to me when honing a hollow razor the spine would need to remain in contact with the stone in order to get a good angle-- is that correct? Is the wear on the spine from this process what is meant by the word "hone wear?"

Originally Posted by Whipstitch

Thanks for this! I'm glad to see water stones are recommended; that's what I am comfortable using for my knives. One quick question; it seems to me when honing a hollow razor the spine would need to remain in contact with the stone in order to get a good angle-- is that correct? Is the wear on the spine from this process what is meant by the word "hone wear?"

Yes the spine stays in contact with the stone.

Originally Posted by Daekkon

I'm going to disagree.

Coticule is the way to go, you can go from near bevel set to finish on one stone..... So why the hate? ( they're pretty easy to identify at least a range of grit and cutting speed based off of grain and texture....)

Is this question directed at anyone in particular?

Originally Posted by Hirlau

Is this question directed at anyone in particular?

I detected more then a bit of snark in "let’s not forget that magical Belgian Coticule."

Your too sensitive, my friend.
Two things,,, one you didn't know & the other you totally missed in the O.P.
1. The comment "let’s not forget that magical Belgian Coticule" was in jest, as I am probably one of the coticule's best fans. I have posted to it's praise many times over the years. It is by far my most prized stone, I have one that truly is magical,,, but it took a long time for me to learn how to extract that magic.

2. The O.P. is for "Beginner's" ,,, not someone like you or I, who can work magic with a coticule. As much as I love my coticule,,, I would never suggest it as a finisher/refresher for a beginner,,, for the reasons explained in the section referring to naturals.

But,,,,,,,,,

I do want to thank you for presenting the opportunity to show my coticule off,,,,,

Behold my Magical Coticule & weep in envy,, my friend.

Not to derail the thread, but thinking I still qualify as a beginner I gotta ask. By magic stone you mean personal mojo right?. I was lucky enough to win a Belgian coti at the shave GTG last summer from Phil at the Classic Edge. Not quite as brownish on the fine side as yours John, but a lovely 6x2 with coti slurry stone. Thing is, I never stop on just that, I always move to either Charnely or Zulu to finish. Presuming they are finer. Maybe I'll try to shave just off the water diluted coti. Magic in dem garnets perhaps I'm missing..
Again, great write up on the stones for us beginners.
Cheers.