Thread: How to use Coticule.

Alrighty then...
I'm not impressed with the water method.... I'm at the 25 minute mark, and it's still lacking keenness. I still can't get a HHT reading, even after 20 laps on linen. It'll SAH, but not great. After dulling, it took about twice as long to recover the edge as with slurry. I'm well over the 400 lap mark too.

Ironically enough, the one I did on dilucot is the fastest I've ever done a dilucot, (12 minutes start to finish) and seems to be one of the keener dilucot edges I've done. I got an easy HHT2 off the hones, which is actually an improvement for me, and the SAH shows lots of keenness.

I did my best to treat both edges equally, using pressured half-strokes with both methods. If I'd used regular x-strokes, I'm sure it would take even longer.
So, in MYHO, Bart's Dilucot method still stands as a very effective way to use a coticule.

But I'm not sure about the point of the reference to not using slurry in 1885, I mean, should we give up our synthetics, 'cause they didn't use them back then? And if you read that little pamphlet, you'll see reference to using Eschers/Thüringians and finishing with the slurry on the stone. Don't see that recommended much either... Any of you sand your linens? Haven't heard that one here yet either...

we are not talking recovering edge or getting sharp edge. You need to get edge which will give to you comfortable shave.
see which one will get your edges there fastest.

Edit " Chris after how many strokes with water method you start to have slurry formation on your coticule?
25,50,100 etc?

I'm sorry, maybe I wasn't clear: I'm still not there with the one done on the water method, and the one I've done using the Dilucot method is done. Ready to go. In 12 minutes. (My best time yet)
Granted, I haven't shaved with it yet, but it's passing all my tests. I'll gladly post back about the shave with it. Though I wouldn't even bother with the water method razor at the point it's at right now. It will need more time, though it is surely getting there. The HHT is at a 0, but it's starting to come around. (Total time spent so far 30 + minutes)

BTW, I should point out that I don't usually watch the clock when I'm honing, honing is usually a stress relief for me, I watch the clock at work enough as it is

Originally Posted by wdwrx

I'm sorry, maybe I wasn't clear: I'm still not there with the one done on the water method, and the one I've done using the Dilucot method is done. Ready to go. In 12 minutes. (My best time yet)
Granted, I haven't shaved with it yet, but it's passing all my tests. I'll gladly post back about the shave with it. Though I wouldn't even bother with the water method razor at the point it's at right now. It will need more time, though it is surely getting there. The HHT is at a 0, but it's starting to come around. (Total time spent so far 30 + minutes)

BTW, I should point out that I don't usually watch the clock when I'm honing, honing is usually a stress relief for me, I watch the clock at work enough as it is

Chris you are testing method . Not to have bias you would be better count how many strokes done in each method.,
You never answered the question ?
after how many strokes with water your coticule start to making slurry?

Wouldn't it depend on what you've previously done to the razor? If you want to set a bevel, or even move from a freshly set bevel to shave ready, I cannot imagine how no slurry would be any faster.

Also, you don't have to keep honing until the slurry dilutes itself; I add water into my slurry periodically to dilute it at the rate I want.

For the average coticule user, I doubt that wearing through the coticule is a concern.

I also don't think that, just because vintage coticules seem to have all come without slurry stones, using slurry is "wrong." It's just a different way to use the stone.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

Wouldn't it depend on what you've previously done to the razor? If you want to set a bevel, or even move from a freshly set bevel to shave ready, I cannot imagine how no slurry would be any faster.


BRB

we are not talking about setting bevel.
if you check op i mention with slurry stone will cut faster.
Any single coticule will make slurry after maximum of 30 strokes.
We are talking about end result.

It's hard to say though, as I kept clearing the hone with water.

In fact Christ you shouldn't clean the hone with water. Keep it as is and continue honing. gets dry add couple drop of water and continue.

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

we are not talking about setting bevel.
if you check op i mention with slurry stone will cut faster.
Any single coticule will make slurry after maximum of 30 strokes.
We are talking about end result.

Well, in that case, I haven't seen anyone talking about using slurry on a coti after coming off something like an 8k, so I'm not sure what problem your first post is addressing. I was under the impression that the guys using slurry are setting bevels or going from a 1k to shave ready.

Also, not all coticules will make slurry on their own with 30 strokes, or even 50 or 100. I keep one hard, fine one to use as a finisher, and it does not produce any slurry on its own.

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

we are not talking about setting bevel.
if you check op i mention with slurry stone will cut faster.
Any single coticule will make slurry after maximum of 30 strokes.
We are talking about end result.


In fact Christ you shouldn't clean the hone with water. Keep it as is and continue honing. gets dry add couple drop of water and continue.

I also thought you meant starting with bevel-setting. I'd like to try this, but I don't understand yet.
If you don't mind, would you please say it again real plainly for us slow folks?

Like:

For taking blade at (some level) and producing result of (some level),
it's better (or faster?) to use (some method).
etc.

Thanks!

On the water, in noticed a faint grey tinge come into the water after the first set of 20 half strokes, and slowly build to a certain density over the next couple of sets, but it always stayed quite clear. It's hard to say though, as I kept clearing the hone with water.

Let me lug out the camera and another razor and I'll take a few photos.
A picture is worth a thousand words.

BRB