Thread: Coticle or Llyn Idwal as a finisher?

Hi All,
Looking for opinions on the above question.
Anyone care to start?
Geoff

I just did a precursory search for Llyn Idwal. A couple of pages of threads but I didn't see one dedicated to the stone. My guess is not a lot of experienced honers on that stone ? Many like the coticule. If the Llyn Idwal isn't expensive you might try it and report back. Coticules are well known as far as characteristics go and you'll find a lot of feedback on those, thuringans, j-nats and of course synthetics.

My lynn idwall is more scratch then my coticule but i have only used it with water not oil, apparently they give a better edge with oil.

i'm guessing there is a reason why the coticule is more popular and expensive though..

There are quite a few stones from Britan

Tam o Shanter
Water of Ayre
Llyn Idwall
Charnley Forest
Dragon's Tongue

One other that the name escpaes my brain right now Green something or other
and probably more I don't know

Also of note

"Idwall, or Welsh Oil stone, 'is generally harder, but in other respects differs but little as a whetstone from the Charley Forest; but in consequence of its being more expensive is in less general use." (Knight, R, 1836, Hone-stones)

Cutler's Greenstone

I have few of each and have to say that if you looking more for universal hone to do your sharpening stage and final polishing with one then Coti is the way. If you looking just for polisher then both will do the job well. Realy all depends on quality of the stone itself.
Sometimes it is hard to distinguish difference between CF and Idwall as they are simmilar in colour, hardness and behaviour. In my opinion main difference is what I call flaking of Idwall. Those small translucent cracks which usualy have no influence on sharpening.

Originally Posted by Havachat45

Hi All,
Looking for opinions on the above question.
Anyone care to start?
Geoff

It all depends on what you like - not what others think! Both are finishers, but the former generally speaking leaves a smoother edge than the latter. Smooth or crisp, is what you are asking...

Regards,
Neil

Originally Posted by gssixgun

There are quite a few stones from Britan

Tam o Shanter
Water of Ayre
Llyn Idwall
Charnley Forest
Dragon's Tongue

One other that the name escpaes my brain right now Green something or other
and probably more I don't know

Also of note

"Idwall, or Welsh Oil stone, 'is generally harder, but in other respects differs but little as a whetstone from the Charley Forest; but in consequence of its being more expensive is in less general use." (Knight, R, 1836, Hone-stones)

As well as the cutlers greenstone which eleblu05 pointed out, you could add:

moughton whetstone
dalmore yellow
dalmore blue
silkstone

There are (were?) others, but mostly they seem to be 'shy' and are rarely - if ever, seen. Ask AS about the elusive stuff of legend, the mysterious Devonshire Oilstone...

Regards,
Neil

Originally Posted by gssixgun

There are quite a few stones from Britan

Tam o Shanter
Water of Ayre
Llyn Idwall
Charnley Forest
Dragon's Tongue

One other that the name escpaes my brain right now Green something or other
and probably more I don't know

Also of note

"Idwall, or Welsh Oil stone, 'is generally harder, but in other respects differs but little as a whetstone from the Charley Forest; but in consequence of its being more expensive is in less general use." (Knight, R, 1836, Hone-stones)

Rolling Stones, though they are rumored to age badly.

Originally Posted by stimpy52

Rolling Stones, though they are rumored to age badly.

Not only that, one type leaves a Jaggered edge...