Thread: Put me out of my misery - Naniwas or Coticule

For the record, I have used both (dunno if you were counting me Glen), though I've only used the Naniwa's briefly while Lynn taught me how to hone.

I was counting you....
Nothing against everyone else either, it just struck me as funny....

I've also used both--in the end, I preferred the coticule, specifically the smoothness & feedback. And the flexibility. I'm sort of getting into a minimalist phase w/ shaving right now--except for razors & soaps & aftershaves & strops & colognes & scuttles & eventually a Nakayama too!

Originally Posted by dnjrboy

I'm trying to make a decision on new hones. I just returned my norton 4/8k due to embedded grit in the 8k side. I now need new hones and am torn between the 3, 8, and 12k naniwas or a bbw and regular coti.

The naniwas seem like they would require the least amount of learning from me. I expect they will behave pretty similar to the norton. I think the coticule will be more of a learning experience.

The two options work out to similar prices, with a standard grade coti and BBW (both 6x2) being just a hair less expensive. Its only about $10 different.

Help me make a decision, please.

So this is tough, because you're looking at two very different options. The Naniwas are fast, consistent and artificial. They are like a machine, they're science.

The Coticule is traditional, romantic and more artful. You have to spend more time with it, and hone yourself as much as you hone your razor. This is an art.

One setup is for people who will be honing a lot of razors, and are impatient or have other things to do.

One is for people who want to get intimate with his hone and his razors, and are perhaps a little more spiritual (this is true, perhaps, of all natural hones...)

So what are you looking for? A simple, cut and dried system, or something with a bit more flavor, and a bit more required skill?

(FWIW, I've used both, but I didn't give the coti enough time/patience, sold it and am regretting it. Another should be on its way soon...)

Originally Posted by JimR

So this is tough, because you're looking at two very different options. The Naniwas are fast, consistent and artificial. They are like a machine, they're science.

The Coticule is traditional, romantic and more artful. You have to spend more time with it, and hone yourself as much as you hone your razor. This is an art.

One setup is for people who will be honing a lot of razors, and are impatient or have other things to do.

One is for people who want to get intimate with his hone and his razors, and are perhaps a little more spiritual (this is true, perhaps, of all natural hones...)

So what are you looking for? A simple, cut and dried system, or something with a bit more flavor, and a bit more required skill?

(FWIW, I've used both, but I didn't give the coti enough time/patience, sold it and am regretting it. Another should be on its way soon...)

Loved your description of the differences Jim. I couldn't agree more. As for me I am using the Naniwas almost exclusively lately. I'm disciplining myself to really get to know each hone by using each option for an extended period of time rather than jumping from natural, to Shapton, to Noton to Naniwa etcetera. Too much of good things. I love the Naniwas but I will never give up a couple of my coticules. They are going to be creamated with me and the ashes spread at Ardennes in the Deep Rock vein.

As for a recommendation, any of them will be fine. The important thing is to use them and get to know their nuances. They will all get you there if you do your part.

Alright, I finally made my decision. I have an 3k and an 8k Naniwa SS on the way.

I chose simple and repeatable. I'd rather that my method did not vary during the honing process, and there just seemed to be too many variables with a coti.

Thanks for the opinions everyone.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I gotta point this out, because it is kinda funny really...

So far on this thread only two people have said for sure they have used the Naniwa stones, and a Coticule.. There are a couple of people that I don't know for sure as they didn't say....

But of the two people that have used both, we both recommend the Naniwa set up, I'm sorry but I find that semi humorus....

Exactly why I put a disclaimer on my post. I have a thing for all naturals. (I was referring to hones, but hey, that's true as well )

Originally Posted by StraightRazorDave

Exactly why I put a disclaimer on my post. I have a thing for all naturals. (I was referring to hones, but hey, that's true as well )

HA !!!! Ok now that was funny

Yes, I also hate cars with fake, tuned exhaust noises. What's wrong with the pure sound of the engine. Not to mention fake carbon fiber, fake ram air intakes, and fake exhaust tips. ...we're talking about cars, right?

I got the naniwas, I really like them.