Thread: Arkansas Novaculite vs. Belgian Coticule

i use oil with my ark translucent if your worried about the stone darking it wont it not a porous stone its the hardest stone i have and the water will just sit on top of the stone

Arkies are used with oil, Coti's water. You'd be better off starting with the Arkies, and using your Coticule as a finisher, not the other way around, IMO. Arkies are more associated with Tools, Knives, etc...Coti is associated with Razors. I have extensive collections of both. I don't use my Arkansas stones for razors, although some guys do.
I find I get a much smoother shave off a Coticule than any Arkansas stone. Also, I don't follow any specific method, like dilucot. You have to learn your individual coticule, every Coti is different, some fast, some slow...etc....

Save your Arkies for your knives, Use your Coticule for your razor, I think you'll be much happier....

Originally Posted by zib

Save your Arkies for your knives, Use your Coticule for your razor, I think you'll be much happier....

That sounds like good advice. I've been using my coti for a while and love the results; was more curious about others experiences around the Arkies since I just found them and wondered the usefulness. The Ark stones I have were my dad's, and he had used the dark with just oil, and the translucent with just water. I do not believe it was an absorption concern, but rather a quick identifier as to which liquid to use with the stone.

I'll have to try them on a couple of test razors I have for refining my skills.

Thanks