Thread: what is a coticule hone and slurry?

I tend to use a 1K synthetic stone to set the bevel then go to a coticule. Getting the best out of a coticule is approaching alchemy, getting a decent shave ain't too hard.

I've heard some assign different grits numbers to different coticules, I've heard others say a top notch shave is achievable from almost any coticule providing you adapt to the stone. If you are intrigued by them buy one and play around with it, if you don't like it it shouldn't cost you much as they hold their value fairly well. They have been used by people who like sharp things for a very long time, there is a wealth of info on them online and there are a lot of fans willing to help you get he best from them. http://www.artisanshaving.org"]Artisan Shaving seems to be where many of the Coticule.be forum contributors went when the coticule.be board closed.

Thanks for all the info guys, much appreciated!

I do have experience with honing, I have a 12K natural stone and have been using that for the last few months to just maintain my razor and have been getting good results. My interest in coticules was mainly just curiosity. I have heard a lot about them and just wanted to learn more. I'm thinking of buying just a very small one (cheap as possible) and just having a play around with it and use it just to maintain my razor and then use it to do more substantial work when I buy my 2nd razor. How much would it cost for a small coticule to get me started and where can I purchase one from? I'm in the UK.

Cheers.

You can by direct from Ardennes:
http://www.ardennes-coticule.be

The Invisible Edge stock them in the UK too:
Razor Hones

If you're looking around Jarrod's page is probably worth a browse but he is over the pond:
Belgian Coticule Hones

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

A coticule is the name of a rock metaphorically formed over thousands/millions of years ...

Mine were formed metamorphically, but probably don't give edges as sublime as yours. :-)

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Synthetic stones, cheaper , more consistent than a natural stone, easily replaceable and available, have largely replaced the coticule for many honers. Some use both naturals and synthetic, appreciating the qualities of each. I fall into the latter category.

What is a good synthetic equivalent to a 600 girt coticule? I'd like to pick up an ebay straight razor every once in awhile and casually restore them.

thanks