Thread: My [large] natural Coticule/BB hone...

Originally Posted by altshaver

Have you found that the different layers provide similar results?

I've got a slue of them from all different layers. I haven't had one that wouldn't sharpen a razor well yet. They've been sold for a couple of hundred years with price based on standard, select or kosher. As Rob of Ardennes has posted on this forum these are cosmetic considerations only. Nothing to do with the efficacy of the stone. Current experts have said that of the mines long since gone, they don't know which vein is which. So suddenly, because someone says this vein is superior to that vein, they are going to charge a premium. I find that amusing but maybe I'm a skeptic ?

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I've got a slue of them from all different layers. I haven't had one that wouldn't sharpen a razor well yet. They've been sold for a couple of hundred years with price based on standard, select or kosher. As Rob of Ardennes has posted on this forum these are cosmetic considerations only. Nothing to do with the efficacy of the stone. Current experts have said that of the mines long since gone, they don't know which vein is which. So suddenly, because someone says this vein is superior to that vein, they are going to charge a premium. I find that amusing but maybe I'm a skeptic ?

Thanks for the reply. I think you are probably right to be skeptical about the pricing. From what I can tell, the main interest between the layers is in how fast they work with slurry and with water alone. At one time, there was going to be a "Burton" series of coticules that were going to be sold based on the stones being different in some way, shape, or form. That project got nixed. I believe the increase in pricing is most likely due to Ardennes starting mining at a new mine.

Here is the info for those curious:

News from Ardennes Coticule - home of the famous Belgian Coticule Whetstone

Originally Posted by altshaver

From what I can tell, the main interest between the layers is in how fast they work with slurry and with water alone. I believe the increase in pricing is most likely due to Ardennes starting mining at a new mine.

If they are investing in a new mine and having to work harder to get the product maybe the price rise is justified. The 8x3 natural combo I paid $250 for seemed exorbitant to me a few years ago but apparently it was a bargain. One thing I've noticed with interest is, going back to the cosmetics ..... they are now selling stones that would have been unsalable before the coticule forum website and the rating of the different cutting/honing characteristics.

They wouldn't have been salable as standard let alone select with the manganese deposits and what have you. Everyone wanted a creamy pure yellow coticule before that. Not the case now. OTOH, if it is a good stone the appearance is secondary to a dedicated razor honer. Actually I find the stones with odd colors and manganese deposits very attractive.

Thanks for the comments guys. I did receieve some sort of paper with the stone, but did not realize it was a certificate.


Regards.

it should sday what layer you have .

Seems like there are a few people here who have large natural stone hones. We could start a club and call it something like large naturals. People who come across this club via a web search would be thoroughly disapointed.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Nothing personal, I just can't help myself .....

Saw that coming...............

Awhile ago.............

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Nothing personal, I just can't help myself .....

I didn't say I agreed with it, Jimmy!

The thread I am referring to where I read this is here:

News from Ardennes Coticule - home of the famous Belgian Coticule Whetstone

So layers with hybrid sides like the one Gary (Les Latneuses layer) has would be a lot more money than just a yellow coticule on slate, etc.
I just think paying 500.00-600.00 for a large coticule is insane, but you don't need a large one for razors...I guess.

Here is a quote from Bart in the thread:

"- a selected La Veinette of 200mm x 50mm used to cost 159 EUR. On the new price list, it is listed for 423 EUR." La Veinette is one of the layers of coticule that cuts fast in slurry.

Man, and I thought prices had gone through the roof just before I bought mine nearly 2 years ago....

Well, I think this mainly has to do with their resources running low and having to go elsewhere in the mine...