Thread: Trying to clarify my understanding

I don't need help with reading, and your reply to the OPs original post was fine, RegularJoe - he was thinking about what stones to get, and a coticule - 'in the future'.

In my opinion, and in most of those expressed above - learn on synthetics first. They are 'known quantities' and give regular, solid results. You will build-up a sound base from which you can then judge other hone stones in a fairly quick time. If you want to take a variable amount of time learning as well as the hazard of being put-off forever along the way, then by all means get a natural. Or two.

I agree that all coticules are suitable for honing - it's just that I don't agree that they are all suitable for final honing of a razor. Ignoring the fact that most coticule devotees extoll the smooth edge, even they break it down into 'brisk', 'engaging' and 'mellow' and some are just too soft for even mellow. The really soft, auto-slurrying ones are ideal for a bit of heavier work, but rubbish for finishing the razor on. I find (and its only my opinion) that the harder ones are suitable for finishing but no good for any degree of heavy work - just my opinion of course, but based on having had very many (and still having some) coticules.

The mythos of 'one stone honing' or coticule-devotion as I prefer to call it obviously has a strong appeal to those just starting to hone who want/need/have to be careful with their cash. It can be done, but in much the same way as using your expensive hand-made italian shoes for playing soccer in, running a marathon, mountain climbing, fly-fishing and lounging about the apartment in. Why would you want to do it?

Regards,
Neil
(sipping hot, sweet tea from his italian loafers - who needs cups?)