Thread: Better edge from coticule than thuringian?

I typically use my finishers with water only, so I cannot say how much slurry will change the effectiveness of either type of hone. Using water only, I prefer a couple different thuringians of mine to most of my coticules. The Cotis were almost not sharp enough coming off the stone.

Originally Posted by Badgister

Rog, do not underestimate the effect of cognitive biases.

Thuringians are great hones, but the mind is a funny thing, and sometimes we think things are better because they cost more.

Don't forget we do not like cognitive dissonance. I am sure that all the leaflets you get when buying so-called quality products that start with something along the lines of: "Thank you for buying ....." followed by a listing of its good qualities, are all aimed at trying to get you at ease with your purchase in case you discover something you do not like about it.

So, if you have spent a lot of money on a Thuringian and you are disappointed by the edges it gets you your first feeling will be: "I wish I hadn't spent so much money on such a disappointing stone." That makes you feel unhappy, especially if you have had to justify the purchase to your significant other. But then comes this little voice that says: "But honemeisters such and so say it is a very good hone, so it must be my poor honing skills." As soon as you start listening to that voice it makes you feel much better about your purchase and you wil start using it with renewed energy to try and get a better edge off it.