Thread: How to use Coticule.

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.

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

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 holli4pirating

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.

Are you sure about this?
All coticules suppose to be able to set bevel and finish the edge?
Are you saying One stone honing has problems?

Sorry, my photos aren't turning out very good.

I will try to asnwer your original question, which as a learning experience I thought I'd try.

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

i hope this will help people who is struggling to use Coticules.
At first i should mention coticules are natural stones.
Their grit will differ from 4k-8k level sometimes 10k.
I have seen always People advice to use Coticules by making slurry ,then diluting etc.
i Think this is misguiding.
I understand more people will be against me then agree with me .
In fact if anyone could answer this question or show me what i am looking for then i would be gladly change my mind.
Now has anyone ever seen boxed coticule with slurry stone?(old ones)

No, i personaly have not read of it in historical context. Isn't that trying to prove a negative though? I believe that the use of slurries isn'yt unheard of nor do I find it unlikely that it could have been used. I'll galdy concede the point though.

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

As many of you seen or owned Escher's which do have boxed stone including slurry stone?
Coticule always been used with water, lather, or Oil.
the finest edge you can get using it with oil.
fastest cutting action you will rich by using lather.
Question is can you use it with slurry and sharpen razor faster?

Yes, at least that has been my experience. Both in the past, and tonight with my honest effort to give your suggestion a shot.

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

Yes you can but it is not the proper way to use it and it is not faster.

? typo?

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

you are decreasing life span of the stone.

It's a tool. I use 'em all the time. They all wear out. In spite of the the coming price hikes, I'm fully prepared to buy another stone. If it was a $500.00 escher, I'd still use the bloody thing.

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

I did test this and results was .
you will get maximum out of the coticule spending less time just by using water then using it with slurry then diluting and getting the final edge from the stone.
Let me explain this a little more.
if you take the coticule
then make slurry and hone the blade.
then diluting slurry slowly until you will end up with water and make strokes curtain amount to get final edge from the stone.(takes 300-500 strokes total .sometimes more)
This process will take more time then just using your coticule with water without making slurry etc.

This is exactly the opposite of what i found.

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

Go head test yourself and see what happens. good luck

You will spend less time .
hope this helps.

I tried quick again to get a slurry build-up on the stone, it took well over 5 sets of 20 half strokes, (100) to build up enough to be plainly visible. Under the lighting conditons i have and my poor photographic skills, my photo look like nothing. And yet another hundred as i type this still hasn't brought the edge back to SAH though there is some grey showing now.

The thought occurs to me that I may not be using the term slurry apropriatley. i make a distinction between swarf and slurry. Swarf is what I consider waste steel in the water, which is what I would call the result after 200 strokes on my stone with water.
I think of slurry as a mixture of water and an abrasive medium. I wasn't getting any abrasive material with water alone, so i'd be more correct to say that I see a build up of swarf.

I am not sure about the history of the usage of slurry stones.

Here is a video of Liam Finnegan of the Waldorf Barbershop using a slurry stone. I am not 100% sure, but I doubt he has read about Bart Torf's honing methods.

YouTube - Razor Sharpening