Thread: Just ordered coticule....

Hi all,

I just ordered a yellow coticule and I'm seeking advice as to where in my progression I should try it out.

I currently use Shaptons 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 30k for my typical progression. I realize that the cuticule is not as fine as my current finishing stones - I was thinking of fitting it in after my 4k and finishing there. I'm eager to try out the stone and see how the edge differs from my Shapton edges.

Any advice is welcome!

TIA,

John

I typically set the bevel and then use the bbw side first then the yellow side. I know many do it differently. Ive heard going to 8k then coti, Ive even heard 15 then few laps to coticulize the edge.

You could use it after 4k I think, read up on 1 stone honing, if your razor is already in use and not damaged you could go straight to the coticule. Would suggest you read so e of Gsxsixgun's great posts

Originally Posted by bill3152

I typically set the bevel and then use the bbw side first then the yellow side. I know many do it differently. Ive heard going to 8k then coti, Ive even heard 15 then few laps to coticulize the edge.

Coticules are a tough creature to tame. To get where you want to be, use your synthetics to 8K & shave. Then take the razor to your new coticule & shave. This way you will feel the difference. It took me a LOT of coticules to improve a 8K edge & I hope you are luckier than I.

I'm a Shapton GS junkie & it's really hard to beat a shapton edge taken to 16K & finished on a good natural finisher like escher. Yes, it is going back a little in the theoretical "grit", but it's a edge that is tough to beat & the edge lasts quite well too.

Each Coticule is different and takes some time to learn its characteristics. Also there are some different and unique techniques to honing with a Coticule. Check out the following link for the various techniques you can use;

http://www.coticule.be/home.html

There are a few videos on the front page as well as the unicot and dilucot method under the 'Coticule Sharpening Academy'

You can use it after 1k most of the time. Just start with a slurry that is opaque white but not thick and slimy.

I do circles followed by x-strokes, then dilute. Two or three sprays from a small spray bottle is good. I do four or five dilutions then wipe the stone clean. I finish with x-strokes on plain water.

I can add a little pressure early but from the middle dilutions on, I use no pressure.

Michael

Assuming you've got a few razors to experiment with you can try different approaches. I've done the 'one stone method' once, and once was enough . After 4k, after 8k, you'll have to experiment with different approaches to find where your coticule fits in. Just be patient and don't let frustration get you, in case it is a difficult stone to figure out. Some are faster, others finer, you just have to play to see what you have. IME.

+1 on all of the above, I've had my coticule for nearly 4 years and for three of those it was a bugger to hone with.

With the coticule I have metal swarf dulls and gives a rough edge so I cklean and refresh my slurry at any sign of metal building up.
I could sit for half an hour trying to set a comfortable bevel without success, now it takes 5mins dulled from glass.

they are very good stones but the reason they seem to be a hit or miss stone sometimes is that you need to know how to use it and how certain factors effect the edge and adjust your honing style to get results.

happy honing
Alex

Originally Posted by ocelot27

Hi all,

I just ordered a yellow coticule and I'm seeking advice as to where in my progression I should try it out.

I currently use Shaptons 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 30k for my typical progression. I realize that the cuticule is not as fine as my current finishing stones - I was thinking of fitting it in after my 4k and finishing there. I'm eager to try out the stone and see how the edge differs from my Shapton edges.

Any advice is welcome!

TIA,

John

I think that sounds like a good plan.
That way you get to experience the stone pretty good and you can vary techniques as to how you finish it.
Comparing your results on the Shapton 16K and the Coticule after going from a 4K level and all the way up to the stones ability would be my approach with a new Coticule too!

Originally Posted by Birnando

I think that sounds like a good plan.
That way you get to experience the stone pretty good and you can vary techniques as to how you finish it.
Comparing your results on the Shapton 16K and the Coticule after going from a 4K level and all the way up to the stones ability would be my approach with a new Coticule too!

I think that's going to be the plan to start out. I'm also going to monitor the edge with my microscope so I can actually see the edge change from the 4k level and see how the scratch pattern compares to the Shaptons.

I'll try to post some photomicrographs when I get to it.

John