Thread: Trying to clarify my understanding

Personally I wouldn't equate a coticule to expensive hand-made Italian leather shoes, except maybe the "expensive" part, but it's a good point nonetheless

Back before the coticule fetishists came along a coticule was considered just another in the plethora of natural hones. It is slightly more versatile than some stones, on average. If you have the time, money, and patience (and good luck to get a decent stone, they naturally vary of course) there's nothing wrong with buying a coticule as your first stone.

I remember when an 8k edge was considered a good edge - hell, I shaved off 8k edges for about 2 years. And then came the Eschers. And then came the shapton pros. And then came the Jnats.

These things are all fashion. Pure and simple. It is related to who has stocks of what available to sell, and who shouts the loudest on forums about what is "best". I've seen a lot of "experts" with irons in the fire over the years. People don't seem to care about vested interest: that's fine it is your money.

What has this got to do with coticules you might ask? I dunno, I just wanted to rant a bit! No, coticules are no more immune to the commercial aspect than anything else. A mythology built upon pseudo-scientific principles has been hawked around regarding coticules and like all mythology has built up a faithful flock. Same with Jnats, and Eschers before that. When money is involved, it's going to happen. I think you just need to realise that, try to see past the hyperbole if possible, and try things for yourself.

An expensive approach? Maybe, but you can always resell if they don't suit your needs.

Good luck.

James.