Thread: Chinese and Coticule

I don't want to thread hijack, but I'm in the same situation as rickboone.

I'm a str8 noob and none of the hones I already own would be appropriate for str8s (save for the barber hone passed on down to me from my grandfather). I want to get just basic hones to keep my razors in good condition and to bring factory-new to shave-ready.

I've been following this thread and trying to follow the advice. But there is a lot of information that can be hard to digest. I know it is hard to come up with one 'right' answer to this question, but which of the following combos would be a good, basic, beginner setup:

Norton 4k/8k + C12k
BBW/Coticule (either combo or separate) with or w/o the C12k
Naniwa 5k/8k/12k combo
Sharpton 4k/8k/16k combo

Of course, getting a DMT D8C or Lapping Plate to go with these as well.

I know YMMV, just trying to distill this info into some basic combos and recommendations for newbies.

Originally Posted by HBirdman80

I know it is hard to come up with one 'right' answer to this question, but which of the following combos would be a good, basic, beginner setup:

Norton 4k/8k + C12k
BBW/Coticule (either combo or separate) with or w/o the C12k
Naniwa 5k/8k/12k combo
Sharpton 4k/8k/16k combo

Of course, getting a DMT D8C or Lapping Plate to go with these as well.

I know YMMV, just trying to distill this info into some basic combos and recommendations for newbies.

From everything I've read on SRP, any of these set ups would be just fine. I bought the Norton combo and C12K first and later the BBW/coticule. It is probably just a function of having practiced more by the time I got the BBW/Coticule, but I seem to get better results with the latter. But if Lynn ran a honing business on the Nortons for years and years, obviously that stone works just fine too. Folks seem to rave about the Naniwas too and to a less frequent degree, the Shaptons. So I think I'd decide based on price and personal inclination and recognize that the most important factor is technique, mainly getting one's stroke down perfect.

I would suggest any but the bbw/coti. Naturals are great and fun, but much more difficult to learn on because there are a huge number of variables, slurry and slurry dilution being two biggies that are tough to master.

I am trying to remember a post from a long experienced sharpening madman who really loves the chinastone. I almost bought one because i am a curious cat; and I suppose like everyone else because they are cheap. Almost.


??? there is no post like that

Coticule: every shaver should have one imho

Originally Posted by kevint

ICoticule: every shaver should have one imho

I agree but getting a 1k bevel setter along with it will make life a lot easier.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I agree but getting a 1k bevel setter along with it will make life a lot easier.

Would the 1k be needed for someone who is not restoring and just maintaining?

Also, would you get the BBW/Coticule combo, or just the coticule?

Originally Posted by HBirdman80

Would the 1k be needed for someone who is not restoring and just maintaining?

Also, would you get the BBW/Coticule combo, or just the coticule?

It would not necessarily be needed for someone just maintaining but it is good to have around in case of unforeseen circumstances. Murphy's law, y'know.

I think a combo coticule 6x2 or larger is ideal. That and a slurry stone. It is more money for the combo but IMO it is really worth it.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

It would not necessarily be needed for someone just maintaining but it is good to have around in case of unforeseen circumstances. Murphy's law, y'know.

I think a combo coticule 6x2 or larger is ideal. That and a slurry stone. It is more money for the combo but IMO it is really worth it.

Thanks. It is hard to wade through all of the information on the forums with everyone having HAD. I'll get there eventually, but for now I -- and I'm sure other noobs -- want to know what we need as the basics.

I agree that Coticules are absolutely great (and they happen to be my favorite finisher and honing tool). However, they are a little bit more of a challenge to learn how to use IMHO. For an easier introduction to honing, it really seems to me that Norton, Naniwa, or Shapton are the way to go. Just pick one and get after it. If you are set on a Coticule, you can be rewarded with tremendous shaves and satisfaction. However, plan on being patient and don't expect greatness right away.

Enjoy the process and have fun with it.