I experiment with hones and am in no way a Honologist! I have most of the common man made water stones and use them as well as the Coticules. I like the Coticules...as far as the better ( read finer and harder) ones. They have a cult following and some are worth the hype. Out of maybe 15 I retain, I have four that are terrific and 8 that are good and the rest are good in the kitchen. Each one was found in the wild so I have no idea of the technical and miners' description of the hones. It was said above that the stones may vary in grit size along the hone, that is true and also some give the feeling of cutting a LOT faster in one direction of a stroke than the other and they do! My first antique one had a hard surface with three distinct levels of grit along its 7"length.
http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5fb94b1c.jpg
Slurry amount and thickness is all important with them and the finish obtained is governed by proper and knowledgeable use of it.
I did not buy a new one, but the recent "select" ones I have tried were good hones!
With a comfortable smooth edge, when right on, a pleasant shave may be obtained. YMMV!
Each one is different and you and the steel will have differing results from another user of the same hone.
If they trip your trigger and you want to play, have fun!
~Richard
PS. As with any hone or combination of hones, the variables are numerous!
Steel, hone, slurry, experience, technique, lubricant, and your face when done