Thread: Coticule or Naniwa Set?

i have both sets . i have the 1k,5k,8k,10,12k. plus i have coticules in a thew differant sizes, 8x2 is a nice size. i have to say i use my 600 diamond plate for serious bevel setting other than that i use my 1k naniwa which i like very much the 12k does leave a nice finish that i also like, and as said it should take no more than 10 to 20 laps. having said all that i have not used the full system that much. As i go straight to my coticule after 1k and it seems to do a nice job also after that i supose i could finish on the 12k saving me some laps on coticule. so i would say get both if you can aford it . if its mainly for touch ups and just a little beyond that i would but coticule or 12k naniwa. your choice. if was me i would buy coticule

+1 on Naniwas...I learned honing on the Naniwas. But I would add the 1k to your list as well...It is indispensable for bevel setting.

I also own 3 Cotis, which took me awhile to get the hang of. So, with these, I use the Naniwas less (except the 12K). So with my Cotis, now I use the following in my progressions, which has been working out great:

1. Naniwa 1k (if bevel setting or minor edge repair needs to be done) - this is less frequent now as all my razor edges have been taken care of

2. Coti (with slurry - using almost exclusively dilucot) - this basically replaced my Naniwa 5k and 8k

3. Naniwa 12K

4. Escher and/or Kiita JNat - gives the edge a fabulously smooth edge with I like a lot.

I am still learning the secrets of each of the stones, alone and in combination. I figure, in the next 50 years I will know everything there is to know about these stones .

Well, I ended up getting the 5k,8k,12k set from SRD. I've honed one genco razor on them and really liked the feel and feedback the naniwas gave. When I first started straight razor shaving I was advised getting the dmt fine for lapping, dmt extra fine for bevel setting, bbw for the edge, and a yellow bout for polishing.

I never really like my set-up though. I didn't get a slurry stone to begin with (I now have one), and I didn't like the size of the bout.

I currently have approximately 16 razors. I shave with about four of them and the rest are project razors for restore.

I owned a Norton when I was a teen for sharpening knives and never could get them really sharp. Not sure of the grit of the stone either, all I can remember is it was a dark Grey. Didn't really like the stone that much and it was a dry stone.

The more I keep hearing about Naniwa's the more I am liking the sound of them. From what I can gather as well is that a Barber Hone and a Coticule Hone are similar to the N12K. I may be missing something with that but if most Barber Hones are similar to the N12K then would it not be easier to get the N12K and use that instead of getting a variety of Hones or stones that react differently? I want to make a sound decision and I am not interested in owning a bunch of different types. I am considering getting the .5 Co-Ox Spray to go along with everything thought, I figure I can use it on my strop since I am going to be getting a new one.

Is the naniwa 12k that much better than a coti as you say? Anti HAD tells me that it isn't

Originally Posted by jeness

Is the naniwa 12k that much better than a coti as you say? Anti HAD tells me that it isn't

As far as finishing is concerned: it's a matter of preference really. I prefer coticule-finished edges.

But a coticule is much more versatile than simply a naniwa 12k, in that you can also do bevel setting with it.

I love the edge off the naniwa 12K, it usually follows my Norton 8K in my normal progression. An Escher usually follows though for the finish.

Coticule edges, imo, are good but feel a little different and to me have a sticky type of feeling to the edge, keep this in mind when considering them. The slower they are on water too, usually the stickier the edge can feel, especially in tough spots. It's not a "cutting through hot butter" edge like a Naniwa 12k or an Escher edge.

It's all about you and what you like in the end.

Originally Posted by jeness

Is the naniwa 12k that much better than a coti as you say? Anti HAD tells me that it isn't

The Naniwa is a pure Finisher, the Coticule is not..

It really depends on what you are after, also it depends on the Coticule you can find, a very selected few will finish in the same range as a Naniwa will, but the chances of finding one of those now days are pretty low...

The simple solution is own both embrace the HAD

Originally Posted by gssixgun

The Naniwa is a pure Finisher, the Coticule is not..

It really depends on what you are after, also it depends on the Coticule you can find, a very selected few will finish in the same range as a Naniwa will, but the chances of finding one of those now days are pretty low...

The simple solution is own both embrace the HAD

Noooo, I was thinking the same, that I have to get a naniwa 12k to try it. This forum is very bad for your budget. HAD is tough to beat

If it helps any, I would recommend getting a Vintage Coticule. They seem to finish better than the newer ones because they were very soft and the soft ones leave very sharp edges from what I've experienced.

If you get a new one and it's hard and you can't scratch the surface with your nail then I would suggest trying to swop it for a soft one.