New La Veinette

OK, just when I said no more, I broke down and bought this big beauty. 9 7/8 x 2 1/4. I read how fantastic this coticule is that being in search for the perfect edge I had to have one. I've been trying to get a sharp smooth shaving edge on a old Kropp with no success. I've tried other coticules, JNats and Naniwa's with little success. Got it sharp but not smooth. After reading the problems others have had with chromium oxide on Mastro Livi strops I decided to not use it. I reset the bevel, then added milky slurry on the new stone, then just water. Blade felt dull but was cutting arm hair. I then went to my Escher with the final step on the skin side of my Mastro Livi strop and then 30 laps on my Kanayama 50000 strop. The edge easily cut arm hair half way up. I then took it out for a test shave. This is by far the smoothest most comfortable shave I've gotten honing my own blades. My observation is 1. the chromium oxide was making the edge course, 2. the new stone easily hones the blade and smooths it out. 3. The Escher is far better in finishing then paste. 4. The right combo of strops really polished the edge. Hope this helps others having a similar problem.Attachment 286850Attachment 286851Attachment 286852

Nice looking stone. I was close to getting it but had some other things on the to buy list sadly. Enjoy

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Originally Posted by jkatzman

OK, just when I said no more, I broke down and bought this big beauty.

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That sounds very familiar!

Congrats, that's a fine looking hone and I've come to love my Coticule edges, sharp and smooooooth, lovely shaves!

I'm also REALLY telling myself that I have enough Coticules, I really do, but I still want more, is something wrong with us? At least that's what I am told a lot and much worse too :rofl2:

I used to be an Escher over a Coticule kinda guy, but that has since changed, it took me a while to get the most out of my Coticules


Thanks for sharing!

I guess there are those who pursue the perfect wave, golf swing etc.. The challenge of taking a razor, honing it yourself and then shaving with it and getting the feedback and satisfaction of a really comfortable shave can't be described unless you've experienced it.

Nice stone.
So then you're using it as a middle step in your hone progression rather than as a finisher. My La Veinette finishes very nicely and comfortably. Give yours a try! You might be pleasantly surprised.

Depends on the razor. I am honing a Portland razor that is very sharp off the coticule, but not smooth. I took it to a Ark Black, then fine linen and finally the strop. Other razors I go from the coticule to the linen then the strop. I do wish all razors honed the same.

Very good point, @jkatzman. No doubt, the steel matters.
Thanks.

Funny I just touched up a Kropp I own that was sharp but was irritating my skin. It took a good razor and made it a great shaver! Love my La Vienette.