Thread: coticule question

Originally Posted by no1slacker

I contacted Ardenes looking for a Les Latnuesess and Maurice offered this stone and said it was La Veinette with a hybrid side but only sent a pic of the coticule side. After much thought I bought it anyway. Figured if the hybrid side is not usable at least La Veinette is. I will let ya know in 3 to 4 weeks when it is received.

If Maurice says it's so, then I would bet it is so.

Les Latneuses, itself, is a three layer vein. It comprises of two coticule layers that sandwich a "hybrid" layer. The "hybrid" layer was named so because it was believed to be a mixture of yellow coticule and Belgian Blue Whetstone. It is now believed to be something different. The two yellow coticule layers of this vein have slightly different characteristics according to those in the know. The yellow coticule layer most identified with this vein is considered very fast as far as coticules go. That layer is said to give a "brisk" edge. The other yellow coticule layer of this vein is fast, but noticeably slower than the other yellow coticule layer. The edge from this layer of the vein is said to be "mellow." To confuse things even more, some Les Latneuses coticules are glued to slate without the hybrid side intact. I wonder if a La Veinette vein naturally met up with a Les Latneuses vein somehow.

If you do actually receive a La Veinette, you will be getting a popular vein of coticule. That said, all veins of coticules are said to provide excellent edges. The differences are mostly for the connoisseurs. Maurice is also very good a picking out hones that straight razor sharpeners will like, so you are in good hands. I, still, have only read of La Veinette cotiucles being natural coticule/BBW stones, though. I might ask the guys on Coticule.be about this; however, there are very knowledgeable people here that will be able to help.

For honing on the hybrid side, you will want to talk to Gary. He really was the pioneer for honing on the hybrid side of the Les Latneuses vein of coticule.

I hope you enjoy your stone.