Originally Posted by
Joe Edson
I've used well over 2 dozen coticules that are currently being sold by Ardennes. As others have chimed, they are a natural stone and will vary even in the same layer. I have a La Dressante that is just an excellent stone that cuts well with slurry and leaves a very nice finish, though not the smoothest. Other Dressantes I've had weren't like this one and from what I've read and experienced, it is the most inconsistent layer.
La Petite blanches have been the hardest coticules for me to master and I wouldn't recommend one to begin with, though you certainly can. They are pretty consistent in being fast on both slurry and water, though can show slurry dulling which can set your edge back as you hone.
La Veinettes are the most consistent layer I've used. Fast on slurry, slow on water and leave a very smooth finish. Great all around stone, though Ardennes has a price hike on this layer.
La Grise's, and La Grosse Blanches are very consistent in leaving probably the smoothest edges you can get from coticules.
In general, it is best to just get one and learn it thoroughly. You should be able to get smooth edges from most any of the layers (though I'd avoid a La Verte as they leave a very keen edge that I like, but definitely not on the smooth side of coticules).
Coticules are nice because you can do so much with them. If all you are looking for is a finisher, you should really check out a vintage thuringian or escher. These have always brought my coticule edges to the next level and lately are all I've been shaving off. Vintage thuringians can be had for cheaper than a lot of coticules as well (though the same can't be said of escher's).
Best of luck.