Chinese Waterstone or Coticule?

[leadduck]

Which should I supplement my black Arkansas with? Your opinions and advice will be much appreciated.

[gssixgun]

Here is what I have learned over the last year with both, but you probably already know this since you own an Arkansas stone...

It really, really, really, depends on the stones... I went through 4 of the Chinese stones before I found a "Good" one, with Coticule you can maybe get a good one faster, if you're willing to PAY for it...

But with both, there can be quite a bit of variation between different stones....

[holli4pirating]

Given how inexpensive the C12k is and how well coticules hold their value, I would say the best way to find out would be to get both and play around.

With my coticule and my C12k, I found that I prefer the shaving edges off the C12k - they shave me with much less "resistance" - by that I mean they cut my hairs more easily. For a while I used the two in sequence, moving from the coti with water to the C12k with water. This worked out well, because my C12k was so slow, so the coticule saved me some time. (Now that I have a faster finisher, I no longer use my coti or my C12k.)

[JimmyHAD]

I was going to say coticule but reading holli4's post, he makes sense to me. Get them both. You may like one better than the other or they may compliment each other in a progression.

[zib]

I agree. The Chinese 12k is very inexpensive, Coti's are quite a bit more....Get both....

[Disburden]

I hate to throw a monkey wrench into the thread but the naniwa 12k is awesome and a lot faster and consistent than the chinese 12k.

[JimmyHAD]

I hate to throw a monkey wrench into the thread but the naniwa 12k is awesome and a lot faster and consistent than the chinese 12k.

+1 and a very good point. I would opt for one of those over the Chinese whatever the grit really is every time..... in fact I do. I should probably sell my chi com in the classifieds.

[holli4pirating]

I should probably sell my chi com in the classifieds.

Probably not worth it given the cost of shipping and the retail value :-) (unless you have the big one).

[richmondesi]

Probably not worth it given the cost of shipping and the retail value :-) (unless you have the big one).

I agree... He should just mail it to me. No need to thank me, Jimmy... I'm just helping you de-clutter is all

[exarcher]

i've got a chinese water stone, I have found a fantastic enhancer that makes touch ups fast and smooth. I smear some diamond polish past on the stone (very little of the mirror grade). this brings the blade back in just a few strokes. I had the paste for stainless steel gun barrel polishing and tried it on a hunch. its phenomenol. I bought this from MSC industrial supply. I tried 2 grades smaller and really messed up my face.. mirror is what works best for me.
kirk