Thread: Yellow Coticule vs Chinese 12k. Who has both?

I currently own and use a Chinese12k with good success. I'm planning on finally buying a yellow coticule from Howard. Will the finishing quality of the coticule, compared to the Chinese, wow me? With so many of you touting the coticule, I feel like an Hyundai owner amongst Mercedes enthusiasts!

I own a few coticules but no 12k chinese stone! I am betting though, just like the Mercedes and Hyandai, both these stones are fully capable of getting you to the same place in the end!

Answers often generate questions: what would be the Mercedes and what the Hyundai? Going by the price the Chinese 12K should be the Hyundai but what about honing results?

I only own one coticule and no Chinese 12K.

I own both the Chinese 12K and several Yellow Coticules and both are VERY good stones. If you use the stones correctly both will put a very smooth and sharp edge on your razor, so I don't think that the difference in the shave quality will WOW you. The coticule will feel different to use than the Chinese 12K and will cut somewhat faster, especially if used with slurry. In terms of shave quality, I would be very happy using either of these stones for the rest of my life; however, I like collecting and playing with different hones so it is a luxury to have both. If I had to just choose one then it would definately be the yellow coticule because I feel it is a slightly more versatile stone (cutting speed and polishing ability can be adjusted somewhat with the amount of slurry), it has a "feel" that I like more, and it has more of a "coolness factor".

David

Wowed? I think not.
I have both hones also and would rather use the Chinese 12k over the coticule. Just a personal preference of mine. If you can afford the toy then go for it!

I have both - but I just picked up the Chinese 12k yesterday ($19.99 for the 8x2 at the local Woodcraft store!). I honed up several of my coticule finished blades. I don't know which I prefer but it seems that the edges off of the 12k are very smooth. Honing on it is totally different from the coticule, in my opinion. The 12k feels very hard and glass like. The coticule feels very smooth and buttery under the blade. Might just be me.
I bought the 12k to use after the coticule. I'll have to get back at you with more results.

I'm always evaluating new stones to find out if there's anything better out there for our purposes and to see if there is perhaps a stone that may not be suitable for straight razors but good for other tools. I have the Chinese stone, have used it, and decided not to carry it in my lineup of stones.

I think you should try a coticule and see the difference for yourself.

Originally Posted by Howard

I'm always evaluating new stones to find out if there's anything better out there for our purposes and to see if there is perhaps a stone that may not be suitable for straight razors but good for other tools. I have the Chinese stone, have used it, and decided not to carry it in my lineup of stones.

Howard, I am curious about what specific factor(s) you based your decision on. Was it the lack of sharpness/smoothness of the edge that it created, the relatively slow cutting speed, the lack of feel/feedback of the stone, the fact that they can easily be purchased from Woodcraft for only $29.99, or something else? I have used this stone on several razors and I was very impressed with its performance just as I have been with the nice coticules that I purchased from you.

David

Originally Posted by heavydutysg135

Howard, I am curious about what specific factor(s) you based your decision on. Was it the lack of sharpness/smoothness of the edge that it created, the relatively slow cutting speed, the lack of feel/feedback of the stone, the fact that they can easily be purchased from Woodcraft for only $29.99, or something else? I have used this stone on several razors and I was very impressed with its performance just as I have been with the nice coticules that I purchased from you.

David

Although I don't own a Chinese 12K I have been wondering about this also, especially since I have only heard good things about this hone, albeit a slow cutter, from everyone who owns this hone except you, Howard. Can you give the stone a thorough review so we understand your point of view?

Originally Posted by JMS

Although I don't own a Chinese 12K I have been wondering about this also, especially since I have only heard good things about this hone, albeit a slow cutter, from everyone who owns this hone except you, Howard. Can you give the stone a thorough review so we understand your point of view?

I absolutely positively third that request. I respect Howard's opinion and really would appreciate some explanation of his relatively cryptic post.