Thread: Does size matter?

Hey guys, kind of rhetorical question but I thought it would grab attention!

Of course an 8x2 or 7x3 is preferable(maybe not?) but what is the smallest size hone that is worth the money?

I see some Coticles on ebay for cheap (~$50 range) but they are only 4" long.

I'm no honemeister but I am working on my skills and would like to try this well respected finishing stone on the cheap... or maybe I caught HAD?

Thanks
Mike

If you are using it as a finishing or touch up hone, even the 4 inch size is fine. The longer length really only becomes a great asset when you are using it for more aggressive work such as Bart's bevel setting as the longer stone leads to fewer net strokes.

It's really personal preference. Personally, I don't really like things under 6 x 1.5.

I guess it's really up to you..Take Barber hones for instance, they're invalualbe and small. I have an Escher that's 5x1 in a little hinged box. Once you get into this hobby, You'll collect all kind of stuff. As long as it's functional...

I agree with Dylan. Normally, I prefer a 6x2....

I tend to prefer stones that are 8 x 3 primarily because it is easier to keep the razor flat on the stone during the honing stroke. That is why I normally recommend this size to new folks. It is tougher to find this size in a lot of the natural stones out there and when you do, get ready to shell out some big $$$.

Have fun,

Lynn

Originally Posted by straightcrazy

Of course an 8x2 or 7x3 is preferable(maybe not?) but what is the smallest size hone that is worth the money?

I see some Coticles on ebay for cheap (~$50 range) but they are only 4" long.

I'm no honemeister but I am working on my skills and would like to try this well respected finishing stone on the cheap... or maybe I caught HAD?

Thanks
Mike

I once refreshed a razor with my coti rubbing stone
which is a little over 1.5" on the long side. It worked
very well.

With a very small hone you end up pulling more than pushing
and in some cases this can help the edge depending on the
current state.

For cotis as a finisher or a worker, I like mine in 7 x 1.75''. Great size for honing as I like the X stroke. Saying that I have a bevel setting coti which is also a great finisher in the 10K range and its only 4 x 2''.

I don't think a 3'' wide hone is advantageous at all - at least I'd prefer a 7 x 2 than a 7 x 3.

Personal preference mate. Only you know what you like!

How to word this without causing a flame war LOL

If yer good, Nope it doesn't matter you can keep a razor straight and level while you hone all day long..

If yer simply touching up, Nope it doesn't matter you can handle it, However over the years I bet the razors start to show odd wear patterns though...
I still think the worn toes and slant heels came from bad technique on Barber's hones and no one will ever convince me otherwise

If however you are setting bevels and doing corrective work on razors, Yep I think the 8x3 size does help, it allows you to use multiple styles of strokes and get a lot of effect out of those stokes...

JMHO

As stated by almost all above, its personal preference.
For some razors narrower stone might be more suitable but for me being able to put the razor with its full length on the stone works best. I personally like 5"x2.5" and bigger stones.

Thank you to all for the advice! It looks like to only way to go to buy a hone and then try it... and then buy another... and another... HAD strikes again!