Originally Posted by
JohnP
The coticules, being natural stones, are not quite the same as say, a Norton, and perform differently. Often a coticule produces an edge much finer than that possible on a Norton, possibly due to the shape of the particles, not how many of them there are...
Hope this helps.
John P.
edit: thought I would add, there is absolutely nothing wrong with shaving off the 8k of a Norton. It is something I and many others have done and often still do. This sight and this hobby however entice one to buy more toys and newer interesting hones. Doesn't mean they are necessary at all.