Ebay Hone Win

[stove]

Ok, I just won this off ebay:

Vintage Shaving 2 Sharpening Razor Stones Belgium in Box Barbers Razor Hone | eBay

First off sorry if I out bid you .

Secondly, I've only used a set of nortons, the infamous C12k and pasted strops.

I believe the two tone stone is a Belgian Coticule I have no idea what the other is, and if it will be of any use.
Any advice on how to prep these hones before using?
I'm sure there is plenty of help with how to use a Coticule in the library. Just wondering if there is anything I should do to get it, and the other as well, set up properly before use.

Thanks!

[Dcaddo1]

That coti is nice. All it will need is a good lapping and chamfer the edges and you should be good to go. Congrats on a nice stone

[stove]

cool! I have a Norton flattening stone but that made a mess of the C12k, I assume would do the same to this. Lapping with 1000 grit W/D paper work okay? Also, do I need a slurry stone for a coticule?

[Dcaddo1]

I would lap it with the W/D. A slurry stone isn't mandatory, but it would give the stone more range.

[Utopian]

That is a better quality coticule. It will serve you well. The other is a barber hone in rough shape. I could not make out the imprint but it appears that the binder has degraded. I'm not a fan of lapping barber hones but it looks like this one needs it. Lap it with the same wet dry sandpaper and see what happens. Once both are flat, you may be able to use the barber hone to create slurry on the coticule, though you also can use your Chinese hone for that purpose.

[stove]

Utopian, awesome advice thanks. I'll give it a go on the hone and if it is useful after lapping, awesome. If not, no big deal. I only care about the coticule.
I didn't realize I could use a different stone to create a slurry. I currently use a small piece of C12k, (whipped dog 2"x4" barber hone) to make a slurry. I'll do the same on the Coti. -- thanks much!

[JosephHoffer]

very nice coticule with box too. It should work well. Once you receive it and have it flat take some pictures to share so we can see your new toy in it's glory

[Pithor]

Nice looking coticule there. I suggest lapping it with something around 320 grit W/D, if you use 1000 grit you'll be lapping for quite a while. Lap it wet, it will work faster and the slurry generated by lapping will smooth out the surface of the stone.

[Gonzo4str8rzrs]

Looking good and congrats on the great purchase.

[stove]

Thanks, paid a little more than I planned to, but excited to give it a try.
Btw: can anyone tell from the picture if the blue part is just a slate backing or an actual stone too?