Another non coticule user with an idea. I use hard slates and slurry on most of my naturals. The more water you put on the hone, the harder it is to make slurry. I makes a very tiny puddle and then wet the slurry stone only a tiny bit and then work it in a dry area and get it started. Once you get a little slurry it help to make more slurry. I also rarely make heavy or thick slurry. Add water in very slowly as you build the slurry.