Thread: Scratch pattern after Coti

What should the scratch pattern look like after a pseudo-ellipticot honing on a natural coti?

Should the edge appear polished and free of scratches?

I've never seen a scratchless bevel off a coticule. My first coti produced a hazy finish on thinning slurry and a slightly less hazy finish on water. My current coticule shows a larger difference between the hazy slurry finish and a shiny, scratchy finish with water. But still not nearly as shiny as my Shapton 16K gets it.

A coticule is a natural stone, so factors can vary,,,not all perform the same. I would guess that the amount of garnets in the coticule would have some effect on the scratch pattern, the type of steel in that particular razor might be a factor,,,,maybe even the stone you used before the coticule may have something to do with what you are seeing,,,
just my thoughts.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

A coticule is a natural stone, so factors can vary,,,not all perform the same. I would guess that the amount of garnets in the coticule would have some effect on the scratch pattern, the type of steel in that particular razor might be a factor,,,,maybe even the stone you used before the coticule may have something to do with what you are seeing,,,
just my thoughts.

Thanks.. I could have been more specific, but Laurens touched on it..

Most of my blades have been honed by others on a synthetic progression and come back with near scratchless edges.

I am determined to learn the ways of the natural stones.. Coti, BBW & Zulu Grey and just want to get my expectations in order. I am beginning to understand I expecting a mirror finish is premeditated disappointment and scratches or not, the edge could be perfect.

Hazy is very common off a really good Coticule...

If you pay attention and really push the edge you possibly might get an effect like a J-nat and have a hazy finish on the bevel going to a polished "Fin"... Personally I hone to a comfortable edge on the face then reverse engineer that to looking at the bevel, honing toward a "Look" makes you more prone to overworking the edge rather then a comfortable edge.. JMHO

The scope doesn't tell you how it feels on your face. Excellent coti edges look scratchy and jnat edges look like frosted glass.The scope can tell you if the bevel is set or not, but there are other tests for that. The nicest looking edge Ive ever looked at was off lapping film. But you dont shave with the scope. That perfect mirror edge was harsh imo. Its a tool, no doubt but the ultimate is the shave test.

Totally understand and agree with you gents.

I wanted a visual check in it's absolute broadest, most unreliable, lowest expectational manner. Not sure that's a word..

Think time zone.. not state, area code or zip code..

Collectively, you've answered my question. Thanks!!

Originally Posted by bill3152

...The scope can tell you if the bevel is set or not..But you dont shave with the scope...

Dang it, Bill - I knew I was doing something wrong! Now I've got to get all that dried lather off my scope...

Regards
Neil

I should have taken a picture with the scope of my red face after shaving with that "perfect " looking film edge.

All these things are like road signs on a journey. If you use them properly they can be a help, but sometimes they just confuse or distract, and some can even mislead - there's this one sign up here in the hinterland that says the recommended cornering speed is 80 when clearly it should be 60... but I digest.

Some people's hazy is others frosty; mirror is foggy, etc etc. Naturals, as mentioned above, vary. Your best bet is to get the edge to a "good" spot and then see what that means in terms of your view of the edge. You'll probably find it changes anyway as your honing progresses.

Good luck!

James.