Thread: Progression question

I am sure this common knowledge to most of you But I have no Idea.

When using my Coticule for a finisher do I go to it after the 8K and skip the Shapton 12K or leave the 12K in the progression?

Thanks
John

Not knowing anything about your particular coticule ,that's a bit like asking how high is up?

I would say tho, anything after a 12k shapton should be approached in minimal increments. The razor is already shave ready but comfort can be improved.

Start with 3 strokes on water with the coticule, even a dry stone could do the trick.

There are coticules and there are coticules. If yours is a hard finisher, you might only need to strop after several water only laps to get a really good edge.

I have a 30k Shapton glass and find that even though it polishes the edge well after the coticule progression, I find the shave kind of disappointing. I get more satisfactory results using chromium oxide after my coticule.

IMO, Going from 12k to Coti is a step backward. BUT, doing this and only a few strokes lightly can make a more comfortable edge. You just have to try it. If it doesn't make you happy, it's only a few strokes back on the 12k to change it.

I’m not much of a coticule user, but the little I have used mine has been after the 8K. I have tried it after my 3K and it seems to take a very long time. I think experimentation is the key here.

John I don't know if this will help you answer your question or not. I am of the opinion that no matter what progression or what hones that you use, nor how much effort that you put into sharpening a razor and finishing it, some razors are not going to produce the edges that you search for. I am of the opinion that it all has to do with the quality of the steel the razor is made from. Stones are just tools (and you really don't need stones to produce superior edges). Start with a quality razor, learn good honing and stropping techniques and you should get superior results no matter what sharpening medium that you use. People strive to reach perfection and end up always being frustrated. Excellence is always an acceptable solution for me. It's all about me and what works for me and my face. Yours is different! But hey, what the hell do I know?

Finding a progression that can produce a edge that suits your skin and beard, and can be produced repeatedly, is what you want. Finding it requires years of honing and trying different things. There is no magic hone, just you and a bunch of rocks.

Your definitely in search mode...

Originally Posted by outback

Finding a progression that can produce a edge that suits your skin and beard, and can be produced repeatedly, is what you want. Finding it requires years of honing and trying different things. There is no magic hone, just you and a bunch of rocks.

Your definitely in search mode...

I wouldn't call it search mode just yet. just trying to learn the few stones I have.

As for me, I hardly ever use the 12k. I don't really care for the edge it produces and I usually go to my finisher from 8k which negates the need for the 12k. That is all of course if I use synthetics at all. Usually if I finish on Arks I go ark all the way from bevel set just ...because... I don't usually use a coticule unless I have an edge that needs taming but it does that well

Originally Posted by outback

Finding a progression that can produce a edge that suits your skin and beard, and can be produced repeatedly, is what you want. Finding it requires years of honing and trying different things. There is no magic hone, just you and a bunch of rocks.

Your definitely in search mode...

Not sure if that will ever work for me, I can forget what I'm doing while I'm still doing it.