Thread: BBW and sizes

Hi all

I might have been bit by the HAD bug.

I've got my DMT for bevel setting and most of medium steps. i kinda want a better finishing stone that i can shave off of (no pasted strops). How fine is the BBW, when you're done with it? what kind of shave results come off of it?

I've read that you can set the bevel and finish on a coticule, but their prices are pretty high. i then saw a BBW on SRD for $40, but it's only 150mm x 50mm. is that usable for straight razors? my only experience is with my dmt and Spyderco which both are a comfortable 8x3 size.

so my question is, will the BBW work well with what i have, or otherwise work well enough in that size?

Size really depend on what you are used to
Me i would probably go for something like 150x30mm

What do you plan to use before?

A BBW usually comes in about 4K in grit...not really a finisher.

It really depends on what it can do. I have DMT (C-EEF) and a Spyderco Uf, so I'd probably stick whatever necessary before the BBW. I set bevels now on the DMT EF, so I'll probably stick with that.

My research on BBW seems to lead to a mixed opinion on it's results; which is understandable being that it is a natural stone.

I guess since size is useable, it comes down to what kind of hone it (probably) is. How far along will it get from bevel set to shave ready will it get?

The BBW is not a finishing stone. Its proper use is in the mid range, 3k-5k.
Its strong suit is that it can be used with slurry or without and it has a modest price tag.

Just my $.02,

With a light slurry you can use the BBW at a middle of the road hone after you set the bevel. I know some guys have used a method of diluting the slurry into just water after a long stretched out honing session and then finished on the water. I don't know how good it works though.

IMo, 8X3 isn't that expensive with a slurry stone.

Originally Posted by Disburden

With a light slurry you can use the BBW at a middle of the road hone after you set the bevel. I know some guys have used a method of diluting the slurry into just water after a long stretched out honing session and then finished on the water. I don't know how good it works though.

IMo, 8X3 isn't that expensive with a slurry stone.

How expensive is it?

I was reading this thread and it seems that some have been able to shave off the BBW.

I mean, people consider coticules to be finishing stones, why aren't BBWs on par? Descriptions imply that it is the same, except with less garnets...

Originally Posted by dnullify

How expensive is it?

I was reading this thread and it seems that some have been able to shave off the BBW.

I mean, people consider coticules to be finishing stones, why aren't BBWs on par? Descriptions imply that it is the same, except with less garnets...

If you check coticule.be you will see some info on BBW stones as well. Coticules are very different and can set bevels and then finish razors completely honing them. As mentioned by others BBW stones tend to be the middle area for honing with a light slurry.

I just mentioned the diluted to water because it IS an experiment that is under development.

If you look on any site that sells belgian blue whestones you will see a price.

If you really want a coticule just buy a small size that you can hold in your hand, there's nothing wrong with that.

How small can a coticule be before it is too small to be comfortable to use with a razor? I don't want to get something that isn't worth it. I'd rather put it off for a few months than get something virtually unusable.

Smallest I can find is $52 2"x4", or 6"x2" $75 for yellow

Or the BBW 150mm x 50mm $40

Originally Posted by Disburden

If you check coticule.be you will see some info on BBW stones as well. Coticules are very different and can set bevels and then finish razors completely honing them. As mentioned by others BBW stones tend to be the middle area for honing with a light slurry.

I just mentioned the diluted to water because it IS an experiment that is under development.

If you look on any site that sells belgian blue whestones you will see a price.

If you really want a coticule just buy a small size that you can hold in your hand, there's nothing wrong with that.

I have had good results using the BBW as a middle hone. Have not found it sharp enough to shave directly off of. (could be my skill level)

I had great results with my combination coticule/BBW when used in a progression as described on Bart's site - I hope I am giving proper credit. I think this is where I read it. Wonderful to only mess with one hone!


Blunt Edge on glass rim
Coticule with slurry
BBW with slurry
Coticule with water to finish