Thread: Entering the world of the Belgian Coticule

I have decided I'd like to take my honing skills and equipment to another level. A few days ago after much consternation/researchI ordered a 200mm x 75mm (8 x 3) 'Select' grade Coticule from 'The Superior Shave' in the United States.
Care and consideration is required as these Hones are a seriously pricey bit of kit, at around $400 USD. That being the case, I hope to gain longevity from this purchase and from all accounts they re-sell well. I am fully aware that the edge is not a competitor for the Suehiro 20k and I have an enormous amount to learn on this. When it arrives in a week or so, I'll update. In the mean-time any words of wisdom are most welcome. Cheers Bob

Bob hope you enjoy. Brought 2 from Jarrad myself. Bit of a learning curve with dilution but just finished on water is easy enough. Have fun learning. Definitely not as keen as the 20k but a nice smooth forgiving edge

Coticules are great but with all natural stones, there are variations. Probably more so with coticules due to the different types available. It took 4 stones before I found one I really liked. The others were OK but just didn't deliver that x-factor.

They are referred to as a one hone stone.
It tried and it takes a long time.
I would suggest bevel setter and then go to coti.
Slurry like milk. 20 laps test ,another 20 test, and so on when slurry comes up the blade, dilute and 20laps and test.
You can change what it can do with pressure alone. Pressure,thickness of slurry and 20 laps and test.
To quote Glenn No amount of time and money can replace taking the time to learn your hone.
Welcome to cotis and buttery sharp.

Originally Posted by bobski

In the mean-time any words of wisdom are most welcome. Cheers Bob

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No, they do not produce as fine of an edge as some of our modern tech, but there is something quite unique about honing with the same kind of rock that has been used for sharpening stuff for a couple thousand years.

Have fun with it!

Agree with Ron. I have several coticules, but 2-3 are my favourites. I find that some of the vintage ones with a green colour are the finest finishers. I have two. They are harder and slower, but I find they leave a very smooth edge.

My only coticule is nicely slow and harder as any finishing stone might or even should be. I have used it on 3 razors, which were at about the 8k level. In other words, touch ups, or a razor in good condition. I have a Hart 7/8 that had begun to tug a little and I spent a good while on the coticule resulting in a smooth, more than acceptable edge. Silly to compare these stones with a Suehiro 20k. If it's about fastest to sharp on fewest strokes, then save money and leave the coticule out. It's an enjoyable experience for me, a bit of tradition mixed with practicality. This one stone hone business isn't for me. I find the enjoyment of using something natural attractive, but let's keep our feet on the ground and take it for what it is and has been for longer than I've been around, and takes some skill to get right, great fun. Bob.