Thread: bout vs rectangle

What is the better option for a coticule? A 14 sq. in. bout or a 6X1.5 in. stone? I see them for roughly the same price on howards website, but cant figure out how you would use an irregularly shaped rock to hone on. I guess it can be done, but is it a better deal?

Originally Posted by alexaggie

What is the better option for a coticule? A 14 sq. in. bout or a 6X1.5 in. stone? I see them for roughly the same price on howards website, but cant figure out how you would use an irregularly shaped rock to hone on. I guess it can be done, but is it a better deal?

Well if they are arround the same price then you get more area with the bout for your dollar than you would with the rectangular stone; however, depending on the shape of the bout it might be more difficult in the beginning to use than a rectangular stone. I am sure that you can get great results with both stones. FWIW I chose to spend the extra money for a rectangular stone, but there are several members that I can think of who are extremely happy with their bouts.

I would definitely get a 1 or 1.5" wide hone because I like the ease flexibility this size gives me.

Would think an irregularly shaped bout promotes irregular blade wear - unless you are proficient enough to compensate.

Cheers
Ivo

Originally Posted by izlat

I would definitely get a 1 or 1.5" wide hone because I like the ease flexibility this size gives me.

Would think an irregularly shaped bout promotes irregular blade wear - unless you are proficient enough to compensate.

Cheers
Ivo

I definately agree with Ivo in this case which is why I purchased the rectangular stone; however, different people have different preferences.

Practically speaking the rectangular one makes more since but I imagine if you are proficient in honing it wouldn't make a wit of difference, except of course aesthetically!!

Most of the pics of bouts I have seen are not that mishshapen and a 1.5" wide stone might be a little difficult to handle. In truth, I'd say there's mild benefits and possible drawbacks to each and you should get what you think you'd be most comfortable with.

X

I agree with X. The bouts I've seen are trapezoidal, not some crazy amoeba-shape.

Watch LX Emergency's video and you'll see how well a bout can work in the right hands.

(FWIW, I have a 6 x 1.5 and no bout... )

I think blade stroke and positioning is important. With either I would imagine you'd just use the center and whatever edges exist to keep track of blade angle, path, and distance. I might be wrong but I would think a bout would be just fine.

It's a little harder to hone on a bout as it is an irregular shape. You have to pay a bit more attention. The rectangular shape of the 6x1.5 is easier as it's a consistent geometry. Personally, I use a bout in my bathroom for honing my razors. For doing a lot of honing work I prefer the 8"x3" coticule as it's very convenient.