Thread: Coticule First?

I have been shaving with a straight razor for about a month. I use a Dovo that was honed by Lynn. I have not noticed any dulling of the blade yet, but know that I will need to hone to touch up at some point in the next couple of months.
I have read the forums on honing and think that a coticule may give the best finishing to a blade. Since the blade was already professionally honed I thought I might be able to do a touch-up hone with just a coticule, rather than go all the way down to a 4000/8000 stone.
I have never honed a razor before and would like to keep my initial aquisitions to a minimum (for now).
Would a coticule be enough to refresh an edge on its own? Or is it too fine of a hone to do the job on its own?

IMHO it's probably one of the most versatile stones out there. With a spritz of water, it's a great finisher. With a slurry it becomes an aggresive cutter. I don't think you'l be disappointed with it. If I could only have one rock, that would be it...Rich

nope a coticule is a nice touchup stone. it can also cut faster with a slurry but that should never be necessary if you keep the razor sharp.
also i think they are very friendly hones as far as feedback goes.

A very well respected guru around here told me, "If you could only have one stone, the coticule is the most versatile stone you could get."

I agree!!
The coticule is the most versatile stone you could get!
(And you don't need a stone more than 2" in width)

I think a 2x8 would be a good choice. A slury stone may also be a good investment if you are not getting a corser stone. If you are going to get a norton or shapton in the future I would not bother with the slury unless you can talk the vendor out of one when you buy your stone.

Don