Learning on coticule?

**zib** · 01-18-2014, 04:40 PM

A lot of str8 users are drawn to Coticules for some reason, especially new guys. Maybe the "one stone fits all myth" I don't know. I don't hear too many vets or honemeisters talking about Coticules much. I too was taken in by Coticules back when I started with str8's, so much so, I became a vendor for Ardennes. Coticules are a fine stone, but if I tried to hone razors for customers using just a Coticule, I'd be in serious trouble. Personally, I use the Chosera 1k for bevels, followed by the Shapton GS Series stones, and then some type of finisher. Lately, it's been the Suehiro Gokumyo 20k. All the stones I use are fast, efficient and leave a smooth, keen shaving edge. I never use a Coticule to finish any of my personal razors. The edge just isn't there for me, if that makes sense, I know I can do a lot better.

As mentioned, no two Coti's are the same. They really are a finisher/touch up hone and would be fine for maintaining a shave ready blade, like Barber's did back in the day. Nothing is going to change the fact that they're around 8k, 10k is pushing it. Not just my opinion, but Ardennes as well.

Using slurry increases cutting action. This works pretty much with any stone. People use Naguras on Jnats. It gives a finisher more cutting action. This works with all Naturals. When you create slurry on a Coticule and start honing, you want to look for darkening. This indicates steel removal. Some are fast, some are dead slow. When you see this, you know your making progress. There's also the scratch test. You scratch the surface of your Coticule, if you see a distinct scratch, it's soft. If you don't see anything, it's very hard. This test makes more sense when you have several Coticules to view. It's usually accepted that Harder Coti's are better finisher's, while softer one's tend to be faster cutters.

I know it's a bit late, but I was going to recommend a synthetic, since you have a Zulu coming your way. The learning curve with Coticules can take longer than other stones, especially if your just learning how to hone, and even more so if your trying to do it on a small bout. It can be very, very frustrating, so be patient. Some have better luck than others, and this may have something to do with the stone they receive. I've been down that road.

Good luck to you.

**Chasmo** · 01-19-2014, 08:02 PM

Check this out:
MY ELLIPTICOT METHOD - YouTube

**regularjoe** · 01-19-2014, 08:38 PM

Now I just need

This won't be the last time a sentence begins this way.

**doorsch** · 01-19-2014, 10:29 PM

You should download the Pdf files of Unicot und Dillucot of Bart Torfs....

Also i would lend you to the grinding and honing Part Nr. 4 from Henk Bos which is about the different variants of coticules....
http://bosq.home.xs4all.nl

**Danm** · 01-20-2014, 08:24 AM

You should download the Pdf files of Unicot und Dillucot of Bart Torfs....

Also i would lend you to the grinding and honing Part Nr. 4 from Henk Bos which is about the different variants of coticules....
Index website Henk en Ge Bos

+1 Good information!

I absolutely love my coticule and I'm sure you will love yours once you learn to use it. I have a 1.5" by 5" natural combo from either the La Grosse Jaune or La Grise layer. I would suggest using the Unicot method first since it is the easiest to get a comfortable edge on. Once you learn your stone (and how to dilute the slurry) try the Dilucot method.

Good Luck!

Dan

**Wxman2000** · 01-22-2014, 02:57 AM

So my coticule arrived today! Crazy fast delivery, I just ordered it on Saturday. Anyway, the project of the antique store razor begins. After much research, I decided to try out the unicot method...does this sound like a good place to start or is another method better suited to a beginner? Keep in mind that at the time, this is the only hone I have aside from a Swaty! So this would include, gulp, a bevel set...

Wish me loads of luck I suppose!

**Danm** · 01-22-2014, 07:52 AM

Bevel setting will take a long time on a Coticule but it can be done. Use a heavy slurry.

Take a look at this: http://straightrazorpalace.com/advan...-coticule.html

-Dan

**Chasmo** · 01-22-2014, 08:09 AM

Yep, this can be done and I have done it. My work with Uncle Sam often puts me in austere environments where my resources are very limited. I have used the following method in just such places. So, if I only had a Coticule and needed to set the bevel on an old razor which is structurally sound this is what I’d do. I’d find some 1000 – 1200 grit cloth backed abrasive sheets. You’ll probably need some of that anyway to clean up the patina. Then I’d find a piece of thick glass, a section of flat marble or even a nice flat planned piece of hardwood. Secure an abrasive sheet to that flat and carefully set your bevel. As the garnets wear away the abrasive quality will decrease. That’s a good thing in this case. It means that you’ll be able to clean up some of the striations left by the fresh garnets or at least minimize them. Once satisfied that the bevel has reached the limit of the abrasive cloth, move on to the Coticule. Make up a very thick slurry solution to help bridge the gap between the abrasive cloth and the Coticule’s grit properties. Use that thick slurry to clean away the rest of the striations left from the abrasive cloth, keep it wet but not to the point of dilution. Once those striations are gone begin diluting the slurry with a drop of water from your finger but not too fast yet. You still need to remove enough of the bevel to find some amount of keenness to the edge. When you are at the point where the edge is uniform, shinny and feels of some sharpness ease up on the pressure and begin the dilution phase. You may want to clean off the stone and make up a fresh normal amount of slurry to sharpen the razor diluting the slurry as you go. At this point the need to pay attention and be methodical is even more important. Be attuned to what the stone is telling you. Listen and feel as you stroke across it keeping ahead of the slurry drying. Test the edge after every couple sets of half X strokes and continue. You’ll most likely have a desire to press hard to get quicker results. Keep in mind that although some pressure is necessary less is still more. Somewhere along the process you may find that the heel or toe has come to a great keenness. Adjust your strokes accordingly to make it uniformly keen all the way heel to toe. Also keep in mind that you are just starting out with a Coticule. Be patient with it and know that the more you learn the less time it will take to get better results.

Good luck and let us know how this comes out.

Regards

Chasmo

**Double0757** · 01-22-2014, 08:45 AM

^^^^^^^^^
Very good advice there! Thanks!

**livio** · 01-22-2014, 02:35 PM

I am in the boat with the synthetic followers. I use to hunt down every coticule was on Ebay, thinking one will be the holly grail.
No luck yet, I did try Deep stone, Old stone, salmon stone, rose coticule , almost all of them. They are all 10k top, some even lover grit. In the past most barbers use them for touch up , not for sharpening, they don't even raise slurry on them. You can easily shave with the edge from them, but I prefer a sharper or crispier edge. I will get a 1K stone and play with coticule , until you are comfortable with the edge. My suggestion, please don't buy another coticule, thinking it will be better.

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