I like older, more traditional stuff. So most of my blades are in the 100+ year-old range, and many have skewed spines, irregular bevels, frowns, etc. I tried Xs, rolling Xs, 45 degree Xs, etc. with poor results. More out of frustration than anything else, I tried going the narrow route. Less of the blade on the hone = more likely to follow the "natural " irregularities.

So, not having anything else, I started using the side of my BBW/coticule on these blades, using Bart's unicot method -- about 3/4" wide. Short story, about a dozen difficult blades have responded very well. I finish, again on the side (about 1.25" wide), of my C12K.

The BBW/coti is not ideal (obviously), so now I'm looking for a yellow coti with dimensions of 1" X 6-8".

I've been advised this is "crazy thinking." Well, it wouldn't be the first time.

Any thoughts, warnings, or (dare I hope) encouragement?