Quote Originally Posted by CJBianco View Post
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.