Thread: Using an Escher

As a general rule you always want to find the lowest number of strokes you need for a maximum edge taking off minimum metal. Your coticule must be a very slow cutter. It depends upon the razor you are using but I think somewhere between 30-60 strokes (start out with some slurry and apply very little pressure) is the sweetspot for a genuine Escher which it appears you now have. I would test shave after 30 (water down after 10, only water last 10) total strokes. If this makes the edge to crisp to your liking then keep a small amount of slurry in your final strokes instead of water only. You want your razor to be near DFS before coming to the Escher so that it is doing what it does best- final polish. Perhaps now your Coticule will still have a place prior to the Escher but not be used as 'intensely' as it is now. Congratulations!

Originally Posted by 1holegrouper

Your coticule must be a very slow cutter.

Yes! And yes again!! With slurry it cuts very fast, and is great with low level edges, but, honestly, finishing on it is not fun. But the size also plays a part. I really should get an 8x3.

So that is what's kind of prompting my Escher question.

Originally Posted by Frankenstein

Yes! And yes again!! With slurry it cuts very fast, and is great with low level edges, but, honestly, finishing on it is not fun. But the size also plays a part. I really should get an 8x3.

So that is what's kind of prompting my Escher question.

It will be fun to experiment. Things like letting the Escher hone go 'dry' for the last few strokes or even going back to the Coti for a few water only strokes to bring back the Coti feel but retain the Escher keenness can sometimes work. I don't think there is any one method that is a golden standard out there since other factors than # of strokes impact this equation as well.

That's a very nice Escher indeed. Congratulations. Escher's do vary a bit from stone to stone, but not much. Basically, they're the only consistent finisher.
You have differences from vein to vein, B/G, Y/G, etc...

Pretty much what Jimmy said, Have the blade at the 8k level, Generate a light slurry on the Escher, do about 20 lapps, rinse and repeat...You can do 10 and 10 to start. I always like to finish on plain water. YMMV.

Originally Posted by Frankenstein

Yes! And yes again!! With slurry it cuts very fast, and is great with low level edges, but, honestly, finishing on it is not fun. But the size also plays a part. I really should get an 8x3.

So that is what's kind of prompting my Escher question.

I want a 3" wide escher as well, but AFAIK they did not make them in that width

Originally Posted by mainaman

I want a 3" wide escher as well, but AFAIK they did not make them in that width

I have a Barber's Delight (Escher) 5 1/2"x2" and a couple of earlier Eschers that are 5"x2 1/2". I've had a few come and go that were 7"x1 1/2" and a couple 8 or so x 1 3/4" or so.

IIRC, never had one, the 10" is 2" wide. It seems that Escher, AFAIK, made stock sizes with no oddball variations. At least in their regular production.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I have a Barber's Delight (Escher) 5 1/2"x2" and a couple of earlier Eschers that are 5"x2 1/2". I've had a few come and go that were 7"x1 1/2" and a couple 8 or so x 1 3/4" or so.

IIRC, never had one, the 10" is 2" wide. It seems that Escher, AFAIK, made stock sizes with no oddball variations. At least in their regular production.

Jimmy I have to check mine, IIRC it was 10.25"x2" I'll update when I take the measurements.

Sweet looking Escher! I have a Yellow Green and a Dark Blue. I use them just with water because I am coming off of a Coticule with just water. If I were to go from a Coticule with light slurry to an Escher, then I would start off with the Escher with a light slurry and work my way to plain water.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I have a Barber's Delight (Escher) 5 1/2"x2" and a couple of earlier Eschers that are 5"x2 1/2". I've had a few come and go that were 7"x1 1/2" and a couple 8 or so x 1 3/4" or so.

IIRC, never had one, the 10" is 2" wide. It seems that Escher, AFAIK, made stock sizes with no oddball variations. At least in their regular production.

OK checked mine,
10.25x2x0.9" the thickness is so close to unused condition

My Fav Escher is a 'Barbers Gem'. Blue-Green two-toned and 5 1/2 by 2 1/2 inches. I use it only with water as a final finisher or to refresh a blade. Usually 20-40 laps. In fact it is probably the one stone I would never part with (including my JNAT's).