I have used the dilucot method with success but found it a little tedious and time consuming. My best coticule results were as a finisher. I hit it with plain water after a Nani 12k. That might sound strange since I'm actually going down in grit, but that's how I got the best edge vs. off an 8k. They are very cool stones especially being a one stone tool kit, but I prefer a more staged honing style.