Thread: What hones to purchase?

I was not implying anything...I was just simply trying to spread my opinion as to what method has been successful for me. As for the coticule, I own one for razors and another for knives. I also own a large BBW I use for my fillet knives. And being my paranoid/anal nature, fearing there will come a day that the Belgians will have stripped the mine bare, I bought a very nice coticule I keep in my safe to give to my son on a later birthday.

Originally Posted by cflaageriv

I really fell in love with a coticule/bbw...you might say it was a love at first sight! I really think that if you can simplify things, get proficient at honing, there is no better stone for that than the coticule/bbw combo stone. In fact, once I "got it," I regretted buying a the bunch of crap stones I bought early on.

agreed. a combo coticule may take one a BIT longer to dial in but in my opinion it's worth it. THe BBW side is a great cutter and no worries with slurry dulling. the yellow side can be used with just water to refine or touch up an edge with very little worry of overhoning. Learning to use slurry and dilute to a smooth buttery edge is a great way to learn how to hone AND shave.

They may work but I hate the norton 4/8 stones. Just don't like the feel or feedback at all. The coti's are beautiful too and that's nice.One combo coti and a slurry stone and you're in business

Originally Posted by RogueRazor

agreed. a combo coticule may take one a BIT longer to dial in but in my opinion it's worth it. THe BBW side is a great cutter and no worries with slurry dulling. the yellow side can be used with just water to refine or touch up an edge with very little worry of overhoning. Learning to use slurry and dilute to a smooth buttery edge is a great way to learn how to hone AND shave.

They may work but I hate the norton 4/8 stones. Just don't like the feel or feedback at all. The coti's are beautiful too and that's nice.One combo coti and a slurry stone and you're in business

That last line say it all. When you take the time and learn the ins and outs as to how a coticule optimally performs, you will never go back. After all, it's only natural!!

Originally Posted by cflaageriv

That last line say it all. When you take the time and learn the ins and outs as to how a coticule optimally performs, you will never go back. After all, it's only natural!!

+1 on this, once you know your stone and she give you as much as you gave her there's no looking back :-)

Originally Posted by shooter74743

I hope you dont consider Naniwa, Norton, or the Shapton GS's crap.

Actually I was going to recommend a Shapton 16k, which is why I 'liked' this (I found it funny)...

Seriously, I like my Shapton 16k for touch ups, but the only other hone I've used is a Norton 4/8, so I don't have experience with other hones...

Oh, just a sec, I though you were saying they were all crap! Sorry, I didn't read that right. Now I feel like an idiot. I could delete my other post, but you would have already ready it, which would mean the need to PM, or even email you, or phone you; or maybe we'd need to talk about it over lunch. Gets a bit complicated...

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

Oh, just a sec, I though you were saying they were all crap! Sorry, I didn't read that right. Now I feel like an idiot. I could delete my other post, but you would have already ready it, which would mean the need to PM, or even email you, or phone you; or maybe we'd need to talk about it over lunch. Gets a bit complicated...

I use my shapton gs 16K more in the bathroom than anywhere since I quit honing for others. You can keep a razor's edge dialed in pretty much "forever"...

I will never recommend naturals to a person learning to hone as every natural hone has a personality of it's own.

Synthetics are just the opposite, they are all the same & you can receive valid advice from around the world from anyone who knows the stones you are using.

If I were to come to your house and use your Naniwa, Norton, or Shapton GS's, they would hone just like mine. I couldn't say that about any natural that is not a finisher, however lot of finishers that have crossed my hands can be close to one another.

Originally Posted by shooter74743

...If I were to come to your house and use your Naniwa, Norton, or Shapton GS's, they would hone just like mine. I couldn't say that about any natural that is not a finisher, however lot of finishers that have crossed my hands can be close to one another.

You'll have to give me some warning so I can tidy up first and lock the dogs up...

I have a lot of learning to do in the world of honing. To date I've used Norton 4/8K and Naniwa 12K exclusively and have had great luck with the Naniwa for touch up and finishing. My experience with the Norton is less stellar and I'm sure the recipe would be more practice. However, I've taken the road more travelled and ordered a set of Shaptons: 4/8/16 to see how that goes for me. I'm not even close to giving up yet on this honing adventure.

That's my go to stones, you will like them...just don't get rid of the others yet...

Carl...the dogs stay, no need to coop them up.