Thread: Creating a slurry without a bout

I have a coticule but no bout. I wonder what else could be effectively rubbed on a coticule to generate a slurry. I'm thinking perhaps a DMT hone would be effective? Does anyone see any problem with that, or does anyone see something that would work better?

Originally Posted by SteveS

I have a coticule but no bout. I wonder what else could be effectively rubbed on a coticule to generate a slurry. I'm thinking perhaps a DMT hone would be effective? Does anyone see any problem with that, or does anyone see something that would work better?

The DMT will definately work; however, it will wear down your stone much faster than using the coticule without a slurry and probably faster than creating the slurry with a bout. You can also create a light slurry with a water and "spare/junk" razor. Just wet the stone and do some circles or passes with the spare razor and your stone will have a slurry for the razor that you want to sharpen. For what it is worth Allen from Ross Cutlery (long time honemeister) always uses his long thin coticule without a slurry because he does not find it necessary.

SteveS,

Try getting in touch with Howard at thePerfectEdge. He sells small chunks of coticules which he calls "cotiguras". With one of those, you'll have the PerfectSlurrier. Howard has lapped one or more surfaces of the cotigura flat so it will work in PerfectHarmony with your coticule.

Bruce

I've told people to use a penny as it only costs 1 cent. It will work till you get a cotigura. They are bigger than they look. Good luck . MikeB

Thanks for your thoughts, gents. I agree the DMT seems more abusive to the coticule than it needs to be. I like the penny idea since copper is soft enough that I'd think any metal it leaves behind wouldn't interfere with the honing process. Besides, with bowls of pennies all over the place, they needn't even cost a cent!

I know Howard sells cotiguras, and if I like working with a slurry, I'll likely order one, but I wanted to try it once before I go to the expense of the cotigura.