Howdy folks. I've been straight shaving for about six months now, and I still very much classify myself as a noob. Nevertheless, I knew when I got into this business I'd eventually want to be able to do the upkeep on my razor(s) myself, so I researched for about a month before deciding to go the coticule route. I like the idea of a stone that can pretty much do everything, and I like the idea of a stone that I really need to get to know in order to use it well (nothing against Nortons or Naniwas - I just think cotis have more "character", I guess. Ok, I'll stop now ).

My first results were...surprisingly good. Just a touch up, but you gotta start somewhere. I think I was paranoid about messing my blade up, but I focused and resisted the temptation to hone the hell out of it. After about 10 laps on water, I went to linen and then leather, and voila! New edge. Not as good as a pro doing it, but I'll pull out the catchphrase once more: you gotta start somewhere. I've got a couple of other blades in rougher shape that I'm going to try my hand on bringing back to life, and I'm looking forward to hitting the coti with it (after I slather it in elbow grease and sandpaper ).