Thread: Coticule producing good results but am searching for that perfect edge

After refreshing some razors on a yellow coticule, I am getting a good, close shave but the blade does not glide over my face like it does when sharpened professionally. I am interested in the possibility of adding the Shapton stones in 16k and 30k as finishers. What do you think? I did some research on esher stones and their site indicates they are not compatible with coticule edges. What are your opinions on the Shaptons? Thanks.

Sorry to hear that your coticule does not perform as you want it to, but I doubt it is the coticule alone. The disappointment in the close shave could be many issues.

I started with the Shapton 16k as my only finisher, it took a while to get the shaves out of it, that I liked. Any finisher will take some time to learn, some more time than others. I have 4 different finishers & I get the shave I want with each; some of my best shaves came off a $40.00 piece of Welsh slate. My coticule gives great shaves, but it took some experimenting & learning.

The statement about Esher stones not being compatible with coticule edges, I don't understand,,,I would like to read about that , if you still have the reference. I'm sure there are several members here who can enhance a coticule edge with an Esher.

This is taken from the Timber Tools website:

Can I use it as a final hone after using the Belgian garnet stone?

We are often asked this question. If you have used a high quality natural Belgian stone, the Escher/Thuringian stone is NOT recommended as a final hone, because the edge profiles created by these stones are different and not complementary. A high quality Belgian stone (such as the ones we sell) produces an edge without burrs, therefore that edge is already drawn toward attaining an ideal finish, so you wouldn't gain any advantage by using the Escher.

However, if you happen to own a low-quality Belgian stone (more aptly: a stone containing fewer garnets of large size, therefore cutting a coarser edge profile), there can be some improvement with the use of the Escher.

The Escher water hone is completely free of pyrites, which could otherwise hamper the honing effect.

Originally Posted by dcaven

This is taken from the Timber Tools website:

Can I use it as a final hone after using the Belgian garnet stone?

We are often asked this question. If you have used a high quality natural Belgian stone, the Escher/Thuringian stone is NOT recommended as a final hone, because the edge profiles created by these stones are different and not complementary. A high quality Belgian stone (such as the ones we sell) produces an edge without burrs, therefore that edge is already drawn toward attaining an ideal finish, so you wouldn't gain any advantage by using the Escher.

However, if you happen to own a low-quality Belgian stone (more aptly: a stone containing fewer garnets of large size, therefore cutting a coarser edge profile), there can be some improvement with the use of the Escher.

The Escher water hone is completely free of pyrites, which could otherwise hamper the honing effect.

I have seen that and to me it makes no sense!

I'm not sure I can answer your question,,,I don't own an Escher/Thurigan,,,I was loaned a very small Thuringian by Double0757 to try, it did improve the edge on one of my coticule finished razors, mind you, that was only one razor I tried it on.

I find the quote from Timber tools to be confusing,,,I cannot determine if it follows fact or a simple sales pitch.

Timber Tools "Escher" (note the quotation marks) are not finishers, at best 8k level, and that is pushing it.

If you want that awesome edge get 20k Suehiro Gokumyo, you will not be looking for other finishers anymore. This stone will save you a lot of money in the long run.

The perfect edge is subjective. What one finds perfect the next finds lacking or too harsh, as they say, etc. etc. What you have to find is what is perfect for you.

Stefan beat me to the 20k Gokumyo (my phone kept ringing), but I agree totally that it's the best, most consistent finisher there is....at the moment. Stefan, Birnando, JimmyHAD, etc. sold me on it months back in another thread about it.

A lot of members seem to like the Gokumyo finish after the 16k Shapton. I tried it for awhile and for me it was sporadic. I'm sure that was me and not the stones, but I started going to the Gokumyo after the 8k Shapton and that's "my perfect edge", and with consistent results.

Chasing a perfect edge with a coticule is challenging, IMO!!

Howard

ps: This thread just precedes yours, but Disburden's thought on the coticule edge is worth reading. http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...rp-enough.html

IME, The Shapton 16k and 30k can produce a very, very sharp edge which seem uncomfortable to many.
Most of the guys I know using the Shapton 30, use it rarely, and when they do, it's usually 2 lapps, that's it.
And, they tend to use the entire set of Shaptons, They don't go from a Coticule to a Shapton.
(Not saying you can't, you can try anything, see how it turns out)

Coticules ime, normally leave a very smooth shaving edge, but not very keen, if that makes sense. I also use the Shapton Gs series stones up to 16k, then the Suehiro G 20k, and I couldn't be happier with the results. Once in a while, I'll go from the Shapton 8k to an Escher. I really prefer the edges I'm getting off the Suehiro.

Most Coticules can be used by themselves. You really don't need to start or finish with anything else, unless you want to set the bevel. I never liked setting bevels on Coticules, it takes too long, I'm inpatient, and I prefer the Chosera 1k. You can most definitely add something after the Coticule. You could try some diamond spray or CBN, even Crox.
The Naniwa 12k is a good stone too for finishing.

And.....Coticules vary greatly from stone to stone....

I have gone to an Escher, many times after Coticules, just depends on the Coti and the blade. Usually works well. Not sure what timber tools means, other than both stones are finishers and it would be redundant.

In the end, all you can do is hone it, shave it and see if you like it.

Happy Honing....

My experience with TimberTools is that they should stick to timber tools and let razor hones in the hands of the knowledgeable razor community. I fell victim to their "Escher-Thuringia" stone years ago. Total waste of money. I am still upset about the fact that they misrepresented their product.

Originally Posted by mrsell63

My experience with TimberTools is that they should stick to timber tools and let razor hones in the hands of the knowledgeable razor community. I fell victim to their "Escher-Thuringia" stone years ago. Total waste of money. I am still upset about that.

You know I wondered if that was the case. I almost bought one of their 'Eschers' a while back...glad I didn't TBH!!