Quote Originally Posted by Pithor View Post
I would put money on it that most people who think most coticules can provide a finished edge will agree with you that not all are made equal. There are definitely differences between coticules, also within the same vein.

Note that I said 'most coticules' because there definitely are coticules that are not suitable for razor honing; I have one. It is unusable for razors because it has hard inclusions that will damage the fine edge on razors. So far that is the only type of coticule that I've found that is unusable on razors, but for instance there are those that are dead slow on slurry, which can be tedious at the early bevel stage - they are not very common, though. And I know of at least one person who likes a nice and slow stone.

I never had a coticule edge that melted my stubble off. Every edge I have had off a coticule, even my most successful ones, provide the slight sensation of grabbing the stubble, more or less - if I go real slow and pay acute attention to how it saves. Still, these are perfectly smooth edges, very keen and easy on the skin. But "melting off" stubble would be hyperbolic.

It took me a while to find a coticule I could consistently get good edges on. But this was due to me both learning how to use coticules, reading feedback and making it difficult for myself by starting honing before I could shave properly. I got some great edges off all my coticules, including my first one, I was just not very consistent in doing so. The thing is, a specific coticule is 100% consistent. It does not change or vary, it is the user who does. So if you get a great edge off a specific coticule, then you as a user are able to get a great edge on that coticule; what you need to learn is how to get consistently good edges off one. And that simply takes time.

My first coticule was the most difficult coticule I have ever encountered. Not because it was a challenging stone per se, but because it was my first. I got frustrated so many times: I had trouble figuring out the proper slurry density; I worried about losing slurry along the edges of the stone; how much pressure to use and when; when/how to use tape, etc. Again, the problem was consistency, as I did get great edges early on (mainly through unicot - the secondary bevel method). They were just few and far between.

Normally I don't think vein matters that much, but in this case it's relevant. It took me a few months to figure it out on a general level, so you could think there was some sort of issue with the stone. There was not. It was a La Veinnette, one of the most renowned veins, historically as well as nowadays; universally well liked and on the whole quite consistent as a layer, one that is said to be among the easiest to learn on. It was roughly 10x5x2.5 cm, not huge, but more than enough. It moved to Norway last year I think, where its owner is most satisfied with it. I have come to prefer thinner stones as I find them easier to balance and otherwise manipulate in my hand.

I really feel the individual perspective is much more of a decisive factor in 'finding the One coticule' than the actual coticules tried. Quite like razors, really.

Some interesting points Pithor, it's always a pleasure to get your take on coticule related issues. As someone who I know is a respected coticule user.

I do think personal feelings and preferences have more to do with finding the one than just its properties as a hone. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

Can we see a picture of your favourite coticule?