Thread: Learning on coticule?

So I'm ready to get into the world of honing, but am still doing research on which route I want to take. I have a Zulu on the way for finishing, so I've got that end covered. That leaves me with what I can use to get to that point.

on one hand, I can go with the typical norton recommendations of 4/8k along with a flattening stone and a lower grit bevel setter. Seems to be the most reliable way to go.

On the other hand, I could go with a coticule which from what I've researched can serve dual duty as a 4/8k with the use of slurries...and in some instances be used to set a bevel. Though a lower grit bevel setter would probably make my life easier. The expense here being that there's a higher learning curve than with the man made stuff.

my question though...if I've never done honing before, each would likely have a steep learning curve, so would it be that much different if I started to learn with a coticule rather than the man made stuff? I'm drawn to the natural aspect of it and the fact that a single stone could do so much all by itself.

pricewise, it seems both set ups would be a similar cost since I'd opt for a 2x6 or 8 cot.

any advice? I'm sure there's pro's and con's for each, and I'm interested to hear. Anyone out there start with coticules and regret it? Love it?

I started with the Nortons and have no regrets. I now have Naniwa Superstones, Coticules, a couple of jnats and several other assorted stones. Whatever you choose my advise would be to stick with it until you have it mastered before you branch off to anything else.

Coti is the only finisher i have so far and

Until i learned how to use the coticule properly (from Glen's video)

I preferred my 8k edge.

I'd say a coticule is a great introduction to natural stones, and of course the only stone one might need if he could resist buying "fixer uppers".

" I'm drawn to the natural aspect of it and the fact that a single stone could do so much all by itself."

I think this speaks volumes. :<0) Go for it !

Remember that not all coticules are the same. I have had two so far and one was a great finishers, but would take ages if I was to try and set a bevel with it. The other is also a great finisher, but its quite fast and wouldn't be to hard to set a bevel. Just have to make sure you get one that does what you want it to do.

Originally Posted by Wxman2000

I'm drawn to the natural aspect of it and the fact that a single stone could do so much all by itself.

Just a question, not denigrating anything or anybody..

Do you think that a Coticule is the only natural stone out there that can do this ???? if so, why ???

TIA

Originally Posted by Wxman2000

Anyone out there start with coticules and regret it? Love it?

~~~I started straight razor honing with a coticule bout March 2011 so I've been using a coticule for almost 3 years now. Like you back then, I knew I wanted to learn how to hone my own razors and after perusing all of the different honing options, I settled on coticule

Bought a coticule bout and slurry stone



and started payin dues

Learning how to get a shave-able edge, at least for me, took a long time. Of course though, I was also learning how to shave with a straight razor, and learning how to strop it too, which compounded my honing learning curve.

No regrets choosing that route. I like shaving with a coticule edge. I also like the fact I can use this same stone for touch ups, negating the need for a pasted strop


Best,


Jake
Reddick Fla.

Originally Posted by Wxman2000

I'm drawn to the natural aspect of it and the fact that a single stone could do so much all by itself... Anyone out there start with coticules and regret it? Love it?

I stated honing about a year ago, like you I liked the idea of one stone for all purposes. Bought a coti and love it. I find mine's great for bevel setting in a thick slurry but it's not the best finisher. I generally use a crox pasted strop to get the edge, but I've recently bought a 12k naniwa for finishing. The coti's great and I'd recommend learning with one, however there are some inconsistencies, as been previously said the cotis vary in their forte. Whereas with synthetics you know where you are with the stones and the edge you should get from it. Personally I think synthetics would be easier to learn with and get a consistent finish, however cotis are fun to use and are great stones. I'd still recommend the coti but look into the properties of the stone you're buying. They're great stones, fun to use and can produce great edges in the right hands, but for ease of learning and consistent results I think the synthetics would be the better option. But it all depends on the properties of the stone you acquire.

Coticules are great and I've honed a bunch of razors on one, but I wouldn't want to learn on one, there are to many variables, every stone is different. If you watch a video on using a Norton 4k/8k you can exactly duplicate what you are seeing, not so with a Coti. If you go with a Coticule I would also recommend getting something synthetic in the 1k range as not all Coticules can set a bevel even with a heavy slurry (mine won't)

Still so much to think about here. There are good arguments for going either way I think...