Thread: coticule select

I just got a 6"x1.6" selected and thought I would ask for tips as to how to optimally use it.
It is very narrow and not very long, so it poses a bit of a challenge to me but it should do a much better job than my regular coticule, correct?

Would this be a better choice than a shapton 12 or 16000 gritt?

Any suggestions by the experts would be welcome.
Thank you

Originally Posted by mitmitzoom

I just got a 6"x1.6" select and thought I would ask for tips as to how to optimally use it.
It is very narrow and not very long, so it poses a bit of a challenge but it should do a much better job than my regular coticule, correct?
Any suggestions by the experts would be welcome.
Thank you

I’ve had coti’s that size. To hone, I place it flat in my left hand/palm, and move the razor over it with my right (I’m right handed). I actually still hone many a blade that way, I find it comfortable.

Next you’re going to have to learn the “x-stroke.” Our library can help with that - https://shavelibrary.com/w/Strokes_for_honing_a_razor

There’s a whole lot of muscle memory needed to be learned. It’ll take a little practice, but it’s not rocket science. Keeping your blade flat on a 1.6” stone is paramount. If you angle off, you could dull your blade faster than your sharpening.


As for using the coti itself: https://www.ardennes-coticule.be/en/tutorials

Make a paste, add water slowly until it’s clear - the clear strokes are the finish.

Good luck! Love my cotis.

Edit - as to if one stone will be better than the other... that’s for better men than me to answer. I personally feel there is some luck of the draw that goes on.

Luck of the draw. Thats about right. Unless you find a vintage coti. I do ok with a coti but its nowhere near the edge i can get from synthetic stones. To each there own as they say. Practice, practice, practice and learn your stone. Thats what it takes to hone on a coti. Good luck!

I bought my 175x40 (7x1.6) from Ardennes. I have no issues honing any of my razors on this stone. I actually prefer the narrower stone to my other 3 inch finishers. The muscle memory will develop quickly. The difference between a standard and select is cosmetic. Many here say they've had to test a fistful of stones to find the one that works for them. Maybe I was lucky the factory shipped me what I asked for. I've used mine for 4 years now; my edges have improved over these years; I'm inclined to believe my success is best correlated to the time I've spent with the stone. Re: Glen's signature quote.

I have three Coticules, each from a different USA source. Two are 8x3 and the other 2x4. The small stone I use in my travel kit for the road in the event I need touch ups. I used to not use it much because I’d get everything wet in the cab / sleeper. But lately I’ve been using it dry (clean it later). I got it from Jared at The Superior Shave. Told him I wanted slow, hard, glassy. He said I’ve got just the one. He called it a possible La Verte. Each of my Coticules give excellent edges.

As to strokes on the small stone, I mostly use half strokes to get the job done, and light x-strokes to smooth and finish the edge. My angle of the blade with the half stroke is probably 45 degrees or so, as lays flat. I’ll do 5- 10 strokes up and down, then flip. The half strokes have more pressure than the x-strokes, these are much lighter. All on a dry stone as I hold it in my left hand.

Not recommended for everyone. My circumstances are some extreme in a truck, over the road for 7-10 days at a time. My solutions have to work... now. So far, so good.

BTW, tonight in Ontario (Los Angeles), CA.

Originally Posted by mitmitzoom

Would this be a better choice than a shapton 12 or 16000 gritt?

I am less pessimistic about Coticules as a reliable honing stone. Albeit, synthetics are always consistent. Most say a good Coticule edge runs about equal to an 8k. Whatever! Does it shave? If it does, it will likely be one of the smoothest, least harsh shaves you'll ever have.

I don't think most coticules will be as sharp as 12k synthetic. I would not bother with using slurry on the coticule until you can get an edge you like finishing with just water. They have some really amazing edges but some can be hard to learn. Good luck with the honing though, I think they might be my favorite stone.

Better choice is subjective. The Shapton hones will be more consistent. They would also likely be sharper and have more of a 'biting' edge for lack of better terminology. Some people like that, I'm generally not a fan. But the good news is with a solid amount of stropping or a few shaves the edge calms down and becomes more comfortable.

As for coticules, my edges with my coticules is hit & miss - and more miss than hit. But when I get it right, it's one of the more comfortable edges I've shaved with.

I don't think coticules are 'for me,' I'd take a Shapton Kuromaku 12K over a coticule as a finisher just because I do not have the patience for it. But I can see the appeal.

I've only used two coticules both were select. Here is a link to some videos to check out for different methods of honing with a narrow coticule;

http://www.coticule.be/home.html

Hope this helps!

https://youtu.be/AWO2TAfRGQM

If one is going to hone with Coticules, the should watch drmatt357 four part series at YouTube. Link above to part one. Heck, if anyone’s going to hone anything they should have watched everything from Lynn Abrams, gssixgun, drmatt357. Maybe others, but those are my three minimum.