Thread: Cracking Coticule - HELP

Wondered if there was anything that can be done to prevent a coticule from cracking. I have one that the bottom it in tact but the coticule is showing signs of cracking. Is there any remedy to keep it from breaking?

Are you sure it's a crack? Sometimes coticules have little veins that look like cracks but aren't. Also, was it always this way and you just want to make sure it isn't getting worse? Or is it getting worse before your eyes?

Many coticules have little veins that WOULD be cracks and exactly why they bond them to slate! If well bonded though it should be fine.

Tony

I have heard you can paint the sides of natural stones to prevent cracking and have seen one or two painted stones, so I imagine there is some fact in that theory. I'd just make sure the coticule is thoroughly dry before applying the paint, in case it locks some moisture in then stuffs it completely.

I think only Japanese stones get painted, if at all - because they have a specific structure (different from coticule)

If you cannot feel the crack with your nail - it's considered OK to use.

Probably most relevant for you: some scratches in the coticule that may appear as cracks disappear with a good lapping

Best of luck
Ivo

It does happen and folks have told me about it the phenomena in vintage as well as stones more newly mined. Unless the crack is really interfering with the honing, don't worry about it. What I mean by really interfering is that the razor catches on the crack every time you hone. If it's just a concern instead of a real problem, don't worry about it but keep an eye on it. I have lots of natural stones of all types and many look like they're cracking but on closer examination the "cracks" are veins or discoloration or tiny cracks in the stone that don't interfere with honing and don't seem to grow.

The Japanese honyamas have cracks, veins, chips, and all manner of what we consider to be problems. The Japanese talk about the stone's character and learning to work with the stone's nature.

The thing to remember is that these are natural products. They grew in place as opposed to being manufactured by people. They're each and every one different.

The crack is real and luckily it is located near what is usually the bottom left corner of the hone so it does not really present a problem. Next to it is a much larger vein that turned into a 4mm chuck that popped out a while back. This is a vintage stone that is soft feeling and is glued securely. The newer crack is more noticeable after watering the surface for honing. When dry it is not very prominent. Thanks for the info. I figured I would just have to hone around it - at least until I get a new one from Howard sometime

Cracks in rocks happen two ways. There are external cracks which come from weathing processes and internal flaws which progress on their own. We don't have to worry about external problems since the coticule is safe and sound in our houses but the internal flaws can still grow. It doesn't take much. Slight impact, vibration. painting a crack will do nothing for these types of flaws because they don't start at the surface. They have materials used to stabilize flaws in rocks in places like dam sites but I don't know about coticules.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Cracks in rocks happen two ways. There are external cracks which come from weathing processes and internal flaws which progress on their own. We don't have to worry about external problems since the coticule is safe and sound in our houses but the internal flaws can still grow. It doesn't take much. Slight impact, vibration. painting a crack will do nothing for these types of flaws because they don't start at the surface. They have materials used to stabilize flaws in rocks in places like dam sites but I don't know about coticules.

Whilst I am still trying to find info about painting a natural hone, from what I understand (with Japanese hones anyway) it is ideal to paint the sides of a hone because they absorb water fast like a tissue, which causes cracks to worsen. Any internal flaws can be retarded by painting the sides preventing excess amounts of water being absorbed.

This could just be for Japanese hones as Izlat said.

I just thought it was worth mentioning.

Most Japanese finishing type hones are clay or alumina based. The problem is its not the moisture per se that causes the cracks to enlarge but what happens to the water once it enters the rock and the crack. if the water enters and slowly dries I don't see how that will enlarge a crack. In nature its the entry of water and temperature extremes that cause the crack to expand or pressure differences on the rock. These things don't happen once its inside your house. Maybe if the stone is treated very roughly an internal flaw will grow but I don't see the painting affecting these type of cracks. if its an external crack started by weathering then maybe it will help.