Thread: What is the perfect size coticule?

I tend to like smaller hand-held sized stones. But I prefer ones on the narrower end of the spectrum as well. I have one coticule that I feel has the best dimensions out of all of them. It is roughly 8.5"x1.5"; A nice length for a long stroke, but fairly narrow.

Another size I feel is nice is a 6"x2". Hey, you don't even need a rectangular one either. The coticule in my avatar that is closest to the bottom is a great sized hone IMO. It kind of has the best of both worlds with a wider end and a narrow end.

I personally believe that there is no "perfect size". You just kind of get used to the size you have and learn how to make the most of it. Those last two sentences can surely be applied to more than just the size of hones......

Originally Posted by StraightRazorDave

Hey, you don't even need a rectangular one either. The coticule in my avatar that is closest to the bottom is a great sized hone IMO. It kind of has the best of both worlds with a wider end and a narrow end.

I didn't think of a bout. What a good idea. =)

One a side note, the reason I was considering the wider 2.5-3" stones is because it's easier to keep the blade flat. However, I guess a 2" wide will force me to learn how to keep a steadier hand, yes?

Thanx,
me

Originally Posted by CJBianco

I However, I guess a 2" wide will force me to learn how to keep a steadier hand, yes?

IMO yes. When I first got into this mess (honing) I started with Lynn's DVD and since he prefers the stability of a solid surface as opposed to hand held that is what I went with. Recently I've been doing the hand held thing and liking it. If I was, like Lynn, honing many razors daily I would likely continue on my counter top.

Since I might only hone one or two razors every few days I am not finding hand held honing inconvenient. Matter of fact I really like the feedback I get through the hand holding the hone and I think it is probably easier to know that I'm getting full contact heel to point.

Originally Posted by CJBianco

So if you could own any size coticule, what is the perfect size? (It might come down to preferences of hand-honing versus bench-honing.)

I'm thinking 8"x3" for bench-honing and 6"x2" for hand-honing...maybe?

I like all Coticules, so size is often the distinction for me.

The best all-around Coticule I have is the first one I ever bought, from Howard at The Perfect Edge. It's an 8 x 3 natural combo. And I agree, 8 x 3 seems the perfect size for bench honing. It's how I learned to hone, after all.

But over the past year and a half, I have gravitated to hand-held honing for all finishing. This was due to buying a few Japanese naturals that were odd shapes that didn't fit well into stone holders. Like shaving with straights, at first it was awkward, but over time I came to very much prefer it.

For hand-held honing of smiling razors, I have an ancient 9.5 x 1.25 x 1" solid piece of Coticule that looks like a piece of wood. I've become so dependent on it's unique shape and cutting characteristics, it's the only way I can get a good edge on a smiling blade.

Also during the past year, I have developed a real liking for "barber size" stones, roughly 5 x 2.5" or 5 x 3". I find that the short length makes it easy to hold and helps me concentrate on the quality and pressure of each stroke. The width helps me keep the blade flat on the stone, and I seem to feel what the blade is doing on the stone a little better with this size.

A side advantage of the 5 x 2.5 stones is that they are perceived as less desirable than longer stones. This means lower prices and less competition for quality stones when buying...but can be a tougher sell if it turns out not to be your thing.

nice observation on the shorties fatboyslim/ damn i feel like a hipster/. even better 1.25+ or 2

For initial sharpening with slurry after bevel setting I prefer the 8X3, to maintain full contact on the stone along my entire blade edge. (unless I am doing circles or rolling X patterns.)For touch up honing a smaller 6 X 2.5 inch coticule held in my hand is ideal. For me. As several people said, it is all about individual preference.

I always wondered how big is the beautiful tiger stripe coticule Bart uses for honing in his video tutorials, and I just found it in his coticule vault, #46. That gorgeous stone averages about 1" wide x almost 7.5" long. (Just saying.)

Me