Thread: Yellow Coticule and Belgian Blue sizes

I'm on a small budget and was wondering if a Coticule of 4" x 1.2" and a Belgian Blue of 4" x 2" or even 6" x 3" will work well for learning straight honing. Has anyone used a 4" x 1.2" yellow? is it ridiculously small? At the smaller sizes the two stones will be cheaper than a Norton 4x/8x combo and I've been reading here that the Coticule provides a better edge.

Thanks,
Mark

Mark,

Go for the 6x3 Belgian blue and the smaller coticule. You should also get a cotigura slurry stone, although if you're really tight on funds, the coticule could be used to build a slurry on the Belgian blue.

These stones will be a little on the small side, but with some practice you'll be able to keep your razors shaving for the rest of your life with just the pair. I bought a set like this as my introduction to natural hones.

I use the Belgian blue with a slurry to do the heavy lifting, then finish the razor with the coticule. That's why I'd recommend getting the larger blue stone.

Good luck,
Josh

Definitely small stones. Can learn on them, but both stones are slow cutters and the learning curve will take some time and practice. Try to pick up razors that don't need too much work if possible.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Lynn

Thanks guys. As soon as I can afford them, I be trying honing out. I'm so excited about straight shaving. Theres something to be said about using your own hands to make something sharp enough to cut whiskers

Lynn, I was just told that I'll probably be getting a nice razor with a decent edge for Christmas, so as soon as I'm up and running I'll let you know.