Thread: Trying to clarify my understanding

It's not too early to start thinking about it. Learning to hone is a good way to speed up your learning curve in other areas. It kind of gives you the freedom to experiment with stropping and shaving.

I would consider a coticule an intermediate to advanced stone. It's fine, just be really patient. I would ask these same experts and maybe Glen (gssixgun) to recommend an easy stone to learn on and tell them you are looking for maintenance not eBay restoration. You might need an easy stone before the coticule. Honing isn't really about stone selection, it's really about the learning curve, like sharpness testing, disciplined stroke, and progression decisions.