Thread: Coti vs Escher

Originally Posted by jkatzman

I just bought an Escher. I use Shaptons, Naniwa, Suehiro and a Jnat. Everyone is talking about the edge, but what about the smooth shave? I can get a edge that cuts arm hair mid way or the HHT but doesn't shave smoothly. I have a chromium oxide and the Jnat finisher that makes the shave smoother. My next purchases will be a Arkansas Blake stone. Just keep looking for the perfect edge and the smooth shave.

Don't know if I get you right? Chromium oxide makes your shave smoother than Coti and Escher??

I just bought the Escher so I haven't received it yet to try.

Ok, so the Escher should give you a real smooth shave. Everyone feels different and I am sure you will get a lot of different opinions here, which hone gives the smoothest shave. In my opinion Cotis give the smoothest shave, but, unfortunately mostly not the keenest. Thuringians always give a keen and smooth edge. Maybe not the smoothest and not the keenest. But a perfect combination of both. I think that's why they are so popular for the last 2oo years. Of course the perfect smooth and keen edge - everyone has a different feeling. For one it is the thuri, for others a special Jnat. Or an artificial. But I think that's one of the main pleasures while honing with different stones - to find out, which one fits best for you!

Just downloaded pictures of the Escher I bought

Originally Posted by jkatzman

I just bought an Escher. I use Shaptons, Naniwa, Suehiro and a Jnat. Everyone is talking about the edge, but what about the smooth shave? I can get a edge that cuts arm hair mid way or the HHT but doesn't shave smoothly. I have a chromium oxide and the Jnat finisher that makes the shave smoother. My next purchases will be a Arkansas Blake stone. Just keep looking for the perfect edge and the smooth shave.

Chasing the perfect hone might be good fun but with what you already had you should have been getting outstanding shaves.

Outstanding but not perfect. I realize technique might have a little to do with it.

Yeah it sounds like you aren't reaching the apex. Thuris need good prep work to work well as they can't remove a whole lot of steel like a JNat can. Thuris definitely don't need a pasted strop to give really close comfortable shaves when they are getting to the edge.

Originally Posted by jkatzman

I just bought an Escher. I use Shaptons, Naniwa, Suehiro and a Jnat. Everyone is talking about the edge, but what about the smooth shave? I can get a edge that cuts arm hair mid way or the HHT but doesn't shave smoothly. I have a chromium oxide and the Jnat finisher that makes the shave smoother. My next purchases will be a Arkansas Blake stone. Just keep looking for the perfect edge and the smooth shave.

Your findings are opposite from mine. So lets compare notes with the community and see if we can find the disconnect. Lets start with your Escher. For fun make a slurry on your escher and drip it onto your jnat, the particles of the escher as they break down on the jnat should help us to maximise the smooth factor. Escher, is 10-12K so you would want to use it after 8K ish hone. Slurry on Escher will soften ,dilute to water. Escher on water only doesnt maximise the soft effect. Dark blue is harsher than blue gray, and mellowest is the yellow green. All are still great. Here to help.
Definitely no Crox. Nice Escher. Lighter pressure could increase the mellow.

When I started using a straight razor over a year ago I would have told all of the members they would never see me owning over 12 razors some of them custom Livi's. Let alone a collection of stones, soaps, creams, pre-shaves etc. I could not imagine paying hundreds of dollars for a stone. I love the challenge to use the different stones and get a end result that feels like heaven shaving. Haven't reached it yet but it sure is fun trying. I marvel at Lynn, Mastro Livi, Murray Carter etc at how easy they make honing look. I really like reading the comments and soaking up the advice and experience of the members. I guess this hobby is less then golf equipment or my Harley.

I feel ya brother...
Have been very pleased with a full progression of Naniwas for a year, 220,400,800,1000chosera,1000 specialty stone,5000ss,8000ss12000ss. Then I found a Thurigan, what a great improvement, now I'm about to challenge it to a battle with a Jnat. [emoji38]