Coticule, Hold on the em!

**Howard** · 06-13-2009, 02:53 PM

Coticules have been the standard for a few hundred years for barbers honing their straight razors. They give an excellent finish to a razor. The only downside to them right now is price

erformance. The 8x3 coticules are no longer on the Belgian website and I've had them backordered since last November. I know they've been going deeper and deeper in the quarry but don't know if the supply of Select grade coticule is holding up. They're a fine finishing stone and it's a shame they're getting in short supply.

**RayG** · 06-13-2009, 03:35 PM

Originally Posted by sebell

Likewise. I'm just interested in being able
to get my preferred edges -- not to have a
bunch of different hones for variety.

- Scott

I am the same. I just want to add two other thoughts:

1. I have a little bit of variety, since some of my razors prefer a different hone.

2. Having too many may actually be a detriment to mastering any of them. Unless you hone thousands of razors.

**JimmyHAD** · 06-13-2009, 03:41 PM

Originally Posted by RayG

I am the same. I just want to add two other thoughts:

1. I have a little bit of variety, since some of my razors prefer a different hone.

2. Having too many may actually be a detriment to mastering any of them. Unless you hone thousands of razors.

+1, it takes time and practice to get to know a hone as well as to become proficient at honing in general.

**DwarvenChef** · 06-13-2009, 06:05 PM

One advantage to being "Stupid Broke"

I can't afford the ones I really want so I have to save while using the ones I have to the best of abilities

**gregs656** · 06-13-2009, 06:21 PM

I will have a coticule for as long as I use a straight razor. My little coticule has done everything I could have asked it to and more.

My honing has come a long way over the last 15ish razors, my BBW/Coti has taught me a lot.

**zib** · 06-13-2009, 06:38 PM

Howard's right. That's what I was saying, Rob's had to open up a mine that's been shut since the 60's. I believe he has no select grade in stock at the moment. I received a very meager order of select grade Coti's. Ardennes Coticule is about out of inventory. The 8x3's and long Coticules I have, I'm holding onto...

They are a great hone. Hopefully, Rob will find more....

**Utopian** · 06-13-2009, 06:57 PM

Well I wish Rob the best of luck in searching that new (old) vein. I suppose if it doesn't pan out he could pack up his mining equipment and start taking Japanese lessons!

**Vekta** · 06-13-2009, 07:24 PM

Speaking of hones that are becoming or already are rare...

I might get a new-never used barber hone soon and that you will have to pry out of my cold dead hands.

I'll probably never get a Coticule although I have seen some very nice pieces. Tempting.

**sdsquarepoint** · 06-13-2009, 07:25 PM

I believe that if the remaining standard grade rock can be harvested with samples free of cracks it could be useful. I enjoy the stones with figure. I'd like to see vendors show samples of standard grade. Look at som Japanese samples of hoing rock. Many are quite jagged and scary! Isn't the grading mostly based on cosmetic appearance?

MikeB

**littlesilverbladefromwale** · 06-13-2009, 11:06 PM

Damn, I'll just have to hold on to my 12x4 natural combo and resign myself to finding smaller cheap vintage ones on evil-bay then

I love having a keen razor and keener eyes

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