Put me out of my misery - Naniwas or Coticule

[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.

[Vekta]

If it were my money I'd get the natural stones and take the little extra learning curve that comes along with it.

That's just me though.

[holli4pirating]

If you are just learning, I would recommend the Nani's. The BBW and Coti will also get you there, but the Nani's are more consistant, easier to learn, and will get you to shave ready faster.

[StraightRazorDave]

Although I've never used the Naniwas, I'm sure they would offer more consistency than a coticule/BBW. But, if you are in it for the love of honing and don't mind a little more a challenge, I would definitely go for the coti/BBW. It takes a bit more practice since each stone is different, but I've always had more satisfaction honing on a natural stone. So my vote is for the coti/BBW.

DISCLAIMER: I am hugely biased towards natural stones, so please keep that in mind when reading my recommendation.

[nessmuck]

naniwas vs coticule is like shooting a compound bow ( naniwas) vs a longbow (coticule) the longbow takes alot of practice to be consistent.

[sparq]

I find my coticule/bbw combo very consistent and easy to use. I have never played with Naniwas so I cannot help with a comparison.

[sdsquarepoint]

Although I've never used the Naniwas, I'm sure they would offer more consistency than a coticule/BBW. But, if you are in it for the love of honing and don't mind a little more a challenge, I would definitely go for the coti/BBW. It takes a bit more practice since each stone is different, but I've always had more satisfaction honing on a natural stone. So my vote is for the coti/BBW.

DISCLAIMER: I am hugely biased towards natural stones, so please keep that in mind when reading my recommendation.

Right onDave! I agree whole heartedly! MikeB

[Slartibartfast]

I have used and own both. The naniwa's are easier and they are all exactly the same.

Coticules are like a woman. You dont know what you have when you first get it. You go on a few dates, discover what its likes and dislikes are.

Then you live happily ever after or cheat on it with an escher.

[JimR]

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...)

[JimmyHAD]

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.