Looking to add a hone, which is best?

[Basher052]

OK, I got a nice Norton 4/8K from JoshEarl, thanks for that. Its almost new, and will break into it soon.
I want to add a finishing stone to the collection, and this is what im looking at.

Chinese 12K

Belgian Yellow Coticule

Any help is appreciated.

[thebigspendur]

It all depends. The chinese is a bang for the buck item and does a fine job. The coticule is far pricier if you buy a large one but will do a superior job. I don't have a chinese but I do have a Kitayama which is similar and since I got a coticule I really don't use the Kitayama.

[Basher052]

Is the Kitayama the same grit as the Chinese stone?

It all depends. The chinese is a bang for the buck item and does a fine job. The coticule is far pricier if you buy a large one but will do a superior job. I don't have a chinese but I do have a Kitayama which is similar and since I got a coticule I really don't use the Kitayama.

[netsurfr]

I would recommend the yellow coticule. Howard at The Perfect Edge has a nice stock and good prices.

[norman931]

I was in a similar spot, only my three potential choices were:

Shapton 16,000 grit
Chinese 12k
Belgian coticule.

I really want a coticule, but I can't decide if I want the 2-inch or 3-inch. So I decided to postpone the coticule and get the Shapton now. I ordered today; there is a free shipping offer in effect here:

http://www.craftsmanstudio.com/html_p/Q!0000000.htm


All totaled, I spent $250 today on shaving stuff.

[kelbro]

I have both and I would recommend the coticule. I would however spend the extra $20 for the 2" wide. Some people prefer the 1.5", I like the 2".

Nothing wrong with the shave off a Norton 4K/8K followed by the Chinese 12K. If your budget is limited, that is a great setup. You are going to need something to lap them with too so budget for a DMT coarse unless you want to gamble with the Norton on the sandpaper alternative. Lapping that Chinese 12K will take you quite a while on sandpaper.

[randydance062449]

Ok, I am odd man out on this one. I find that the Chinese 12K gives me a sharper edge than any of the coticules or thuringen/escher stones that I have. But... the coticule and the Thuringen/Eschers give a more comfortable shave directly off the stone.

The Chinese 12k is more difficult to lap flat and does require, for me, at least 100 laps but I like it so much that I paid full price for 2 of them. One is a backup, I never want to be without one.

Just my two cents,

[hi_bud_gl]

Hi i do hate to go to against Randy but if i was in your spot i would buy escher.i love them or Belgian which is (very tricky) to find right coticle.Belgian's are so different.i will post 1 of belgian coticle +esher together.

[poona]

They're all great for getting an edge. Its just all personal preference and choice. The Belgians are good for newbies though as it's real hard to overhone on them.

[Utopian]

Ok, I am odd man out on this one. I find that the Chinese 12K gives me a sharper edge than any of the coticules or thuringen/escher stones that I have. But... the coticule and the Thuringen/Eschers give a more comfortable shave directly off the stone.

The Chinese 12k is more difficult to lap flat and does require, for me, at least 100 laps but I like it so much that I paid full price for 2 of them. One is a backup, I never want to be without one.

Just my two cents,

Why would you be without one? Do you have a hone loaner system? I do that with coticules since I have so many of them but I wouldn't loan any hone that I regularly use.