Thread: Coticule Edge: Sharpening v. Finishing

Some people use the coticule for the entire process--sharpening thru finishing. Some people use the synthetics for sharpening, then finish on the coticule. For those who have done both, do you feel a difference in the final edge? (The only difference is synthetic or bbw/coticule in the sharpening stage.)

Thanx,
Me

No !!!!!!!!!

I "Train" the edge to the Natural by using a light slurry as I come off the synthetics...
Also for full disclosure my edges are shaving sharp before I get to the Natural...

YMMV along with your technique and your outcome...

I use a coticule from scratch to finish. I've used Nortons and other stones before, but I much prefer the coticule.

Forgive me. I think I may have been unclear with my question. I'm not asking the usual "What is your progression?" or "How do you finish with a coticule?" I'm asking if anyone here can distinguish between a razor honed on a synthetic-coticule progression versus a razor honed on a bbw-coticule progression. Does it make any difference upon the final edge [what I use for the sharpening stages]? And what is that difference [in your opinion]?

Thanx,
Me

I think the finish on an Escher is a lot more my liking than my coticule. But my coticule is good at beveling a razor.

Originally Posted by CJBianco

Forgive me. I think I may have been unclear with my question. I'm not asking the usual "What is your progression?" or "How do you finish with a coticule?" I'm asking if anyone here can distinguish between a razor honed on a synthetic-coticule progression versus a razor honed on a bbw-coticule progression. Does it make any difference upon the final edge [what I use for the sharpening stages]? And what is that difference [in your opinion]?

Thanx,
Me

Do you mean can you feel the difference between coti and a nani 12k when shaving?

I have used both naturals and synthetics prior to finishing with a coticle and cannot tell the difference on the final edge. Similarly, if I finish with a diamond paste or CrO, it is only this final treatment which becomes evident in the shave.

Originally Posted by CJBianco

Forgive me. I think I may have been unclear with my question. I'm not asking the usual "What is your progression?" or "How do you finish with a coticule?" I'm asking if anyone here can distinguish between a razor honed on a synthetic-coticule progression versus a razor honed on a bbw-coticule progression. Does it make any difference upon the final edge [what I use for the sharpening stages]? And what is that difference [in your opinion]?

Thanx,
Me

this is how process works.
Lets say you have used combination of the stone to hone the blade.
1.1k ,4,k.8k ,12k naniwa then Cotciule.
2.1k,4knorton,8knorton ,16k shapton CF.
3.1knorton,4kshapton,8k norton,8k coticule, 20k japanese
Steps 1,2,3, you have used different combination of the stones to set bevel ,sharpen and finish the edge.

if your honing process correct when you move to next stone and finish honing in the stone you will have edge which is belongs to that stone.
Lets say.
2. we use norton 1k set the bevel.
next stone is is nortons then 16k shapton.
after 16k shapton you must have 16k shaptons edge. there is shouldn't be any sign from norton 4k.8k.
I am talking about the edge not the bevel please note.
Now when you do finishing job doesn't matter what stones you have used to set bevel, sharpen etc only edge will depends on last stone you have used.
Let me say again if the honer does correct job then last edge of the blade should have result of last stone you have used.
Bevel is a little different story.
in our case
1 edge will be Coticule
2 edge will be charnley forest
3 edge will be Japanese 20k level
i hope i was simple enough.
gl

Originally Posted by life2short1971

Do you mean can you feel the difference between coti and a nani 12k when shaving?

No, let me see if I can gather my thoughts...OK.

Question 1: Have you ever sharpened a razor from post-bevel (2-3K) all the way thru to the finishing stage (8-10K) using ONLY the bbw/coticule? If no, stop here. If yes, procede to question 2.

Question 2: Have you ever sharpened a razor from post-bevel (2-3K) all the way thru to the final sharpening/pre-finishing stage (8K) using ONLY synthetics (Naniwa/Norton), but then finish (8-10K) the coticule? If no, stop here. If yes, procede to question 3.

Question 3: If you were to test shave both those razors today, could you tell a difference in the edge? (If yes, please describe.)

Thanx,
Me

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

I am talking about the edge not the bevel please note...Bevel is a little different story.

Interesting...can you explain the differences in the bevels?

Thanx,
Me