Thread: Coticule Edge

Howdy all,

so I wanted to ask what you all think of an edge off of a coticule?

I have shaved with other razors not from coticules, they feel sharper but the coticule shaves just as smooth.

How is it possible that this edge may not seem as sharp but still gives an amazing close shave?

The best explanation I've read is that the abrasive, garnets, are larger and because of this leave shallower striations in the bevel. Whatever the reason I do agree that the shave from a razor well sharpened and finished with a coticule is a smooth and comfortable one.

They are sprinkled with magical fairy dust before leaving the quarry.

I've got a very thick beard and very sensitive skin and so far have found the coti (atleast the one my brother has) followed by CroOx to be an awesome combo for my face. Under a close look it may not be the cleanist looking edge but for me it makes for an awesome shave. There are a lot of different thoughts here about the coticule,good,bad,and in between. I remember somebody saying that the edge off the coticule seemed to seek hair and not skin, so far this has held very true for me. The edge off the C12K and other higher grit stones just seemed a bit harsh to me. A point here would be to notice that I keep saying "To or For Me" over and over here, all that matters is that you are happy with and enjoy the edges you are using. It doesn't matter how that edge was put there, so long as it preforms well for you. Alright, I have rambled on long enough lol. Just my thoughts.....

[QUOTE=basil;607370]Howdy all,

I have shaved with other razors not from coticules, they feel sharper but the coticule shaves just as smooth.

What are you trying to say?
you have shaved with other razors and they feel sharper?
coticule shaves just as smooth?(does this means coticule edge feels dull to you?)
it just doesn't make sense? or am i missing something?

How is it possible that this edge may not seem as sharp but still gives an amazing close shave?

It is not possible. if it is doesn't seems sharp will not give close shave. it will give to you dull edge shave. amazingly won't be as close as you think.
You will need to compare edges from different stones and see what happens.
Coticules are natural stones and their edge will be different.
Some of them will act like 4k level and edge will feel horrible.
Some is better you can get a good edge and shave comfortable but not as good as better finishing stones available out there.

if you can find Salm coticule that stone will make you very happy. you will not luck of dull feeling while you use that edge .
hope this helps.

I have a coticule stone and I like it. I use it mostly as a finisher after I hone on synthetic hones if the edge feels harsh. I have a large rotation though and a honing log so all my razors are either finished diferently or honed differently. I like the coticule edge, its very smooth if you need atg passes. The other day I took out my belgian blue hone and my coticule and honed a dull razor, the shave was great and was smooth for 15 hours, which is rare for me. I haven't touched those hones in months...maybe I should more often.

It really is a matter of taste, so try out the most you can before you buy a coticule.

For a very long time the Coticule was THE finisher for me. Even though I've added a vintage Escher and a Natural Japanese to the mix I still favor the coticule.

I think the way the coti edge shaves is partially the way the grit cuts, and partially the grit range. It's above an 8k, so it's definitely going to give you a great shave. The garnet shape and how they cut are, IMO, like Jimmy described.

It is a great edge, I just find I get better edges off finer hones (my Thurry and my Asagi, and even my C12k)

Originally Posted by basil

Howdy all,

so I wanted to ask what you all think of an edge off of a coticule?

I have shaved with other razors not from coticules, they feel sharper but the coticule shaves just as smooth.

How is it possible that this edge may not seem as sharp but still gives an amazing close shave?

A lot has been posted on this very subject, the debate rages on......

As well, the coticule has a reputation for smoothing out a sharp edge that is too harsh, creating a good balance of sharp & smooth. Just my 2 cents.

I know I'm always mentioning the old barbers I knew in NJ that used the coticule but if you analyze it why did they ? There were many stones available to them. By then synthetics had come along and there were other naturals. IMO they used the "soap stone", as they called them, because of the smooth and comfortable edge obtained with them.

Those guys shaving one customer after another didn't want scary sharp with weepers and maybe irritation, let alone the possibility of a nick. With the coticule they got their edges sharp but smooth and comfortable. Most of all, somewhat forgiving in comparison with other alternatives. Just IMHO.