I've got the Belgian "Blues"

[ShaveWares]

Since playing and experimenting with my different coti's. I've developed some curiosity with my BBW's as well, mainly in use the middle stage while trying to max out sharpness before going back to the coti on just water. Keep in mind that up to this point, I've only touched up on coti's and used BBW's in creating a new edge. Last week I decided to experiment with touching up a razor on a BBW to see how it would compare to my coti's. I started on regular slurry, then diluted it once or twice, then I rinsed it off and went to soapy water for 50 or so strokes. Then I touched my razor up on my La Veinette coticule for like 6 x -strokes (since it is a softer, velvety stone) and took my blade to some CrOx and Dovo red paste. The result was an edge that was as smooth and mellow as any coti edge I've tried, yet it was much keener/sharper so I easily gave mysefl nearly BBS in two passes and went for a 3rd to chase that final 1-2%. This is the 3rd BBW, that I have used and have had sucess with. I know they tend to get a bad rap as being useless much of the time, but I think these when used in different ways are actually as good an option as a coti, atleast when it comes to touching up a razor and maxing out its sharpness/keenness. They are also plentiful (much more so then coticules) and can be had for much less $$$. These are the plain, jane purple looking ones, mind you, not those rare vintage salms. I've come to love these stones.