Thread: One last stone...for now.

So im getting a Norton 4k/8k and a Naniwa 12k and I have a set of DMT Duo sharp benchstones with 220, 325, 600 and 1200 mesh (interrupted surface).

I have questions.

Is the DMT 1200 mesh really that bad for honing? Ive read in a few places that the diamond is too aggressive for a razor. If the answer is yes i am considering a Chosera 1000 grit. They seem to be the current go to.

If the answer is no and i can get away with the DMT 1200 would there be any point to adding a Coticule to my current lineup?

I had just reached a point where i thought.. ok, i have everything to get started.. then my GF asked me what i want for my B'day next month. Im looking at about a $200 budget. The Coticule is of course much more expensive then the Chosera, but if i don't need the 1000 grit i would seriously love owning a Coticule.

Thanks for any advice in advance.

I've got a King Ice Bear 1000 they can be had for $30-$40 that works great, it's especially fast with slurry.
I've got Smith 320 and 750 mesh and they work great. They get smoother and less aggressive with use

Originally Posted by rodb

I've got a King Ice Bear 1000 they can be had for $30-$40 that works great, it's especially fast with slurry.
I've got Smith 320 and 750 mesh and they work great. They get smoother and less aggressive with use

Thanks but i'm definitely settled on the Chosera 1k.. just trying to decide if i really need one or not.

I would say yes to a 1k stone, with slurry it will get very fast but won't leave scratches like a DMT. The only stone in your collection that might be redundant for razors is the 1200 mesh

Originally Posted by MW76

Thanks but i'm definitely settled on the Chosera 1k.. just trying to decide if i really need one or not.

If you want to hone razors that need a bevel set, then you need one. It does not have to be the Chosera (now Pro), but you need a bevel setter that causes less damage than the Duosharp.

You CAN set bevels with a 4k stone, but it takes a lot more time. You also can remove the damage caused by the DuoSharp with a 4k, but it also takes a lot more time. A good quality 1k hone is about the most important tool there is for anyone doing more than maintenance honing.

On my razors I would never use a diamond plate for bevel setting. I have a Norton 1K and a Chosera 1K. The Chosera is much faster without leaving deeper scratches in the bevel. I think you will find the answer from most that the Chosera is the go to bevel setter. The Coticule on the other hand is one of those things that you rarely have the same one as anyone else. You will have to develop knowledge of your coticule or as Glen says "you have a relationship with a coticule".

Ok im glad i asked.

I wont be doing any type of bevel setting for a while but i'm going to eventually. It seems apparent that the now named Naniwa Pro 1k is the thing to have.

I was hoping having the DMT's already would save me a little more cash. At least the 325 mesh will work as a lapping plate. Oh well, its just paper with numbers printed on it

Ill hold off on the Coticle, which was my original plan. Some day i want to try my hand at dilution methods but i'm purposefully going with synthetics for now.

Someday ill meet a nice Coticule, and make her my own...

Thanks for the feedback!!

Diamond plates are good for fixing frowns and chips, not so much for just setting a bevel. You won't regret buying a Chosera

I wouldn't set a bevel with a Coticule, it just takes to long. Depending on the stone they will be in the 3k-10k range (3k heavy slurry, 10k water only). The learning curve on those is pretty long

Why not do both? A King 1k and a coticule could easily fit your budget.

Cheers, Steve

Originally Posted by rodb

I wouldn't set a bevel with a Coticule, it just takes to long. Depending on the stone they will be in the 3k-10k range (3k heavy slurry, 10k water only). The learning curve on those is pretty long

The Coticule i'm more interetsed for finishing. Id go with a Blue for bevels if i was trying to stick with just Belgian stones. It was something i considered.

Originally Posted by Steve56

Why not do both? A King 1k and a coticule could easily fit your budget.

Its actually my GF's budget since its a gift and I really don't need the Coticule right now since i just got the Naniwa 12k.

It will be my pipe dream for a while.