Thread: Coticule sizes - what is best ???

Since I've started honing my razors several years back I've bought the wide stones for the steadiness factor. Over the time I've gone to the two inch stones and found I like the feel much better.

I'm now considering purchasing the 1"x6 Coticule on Howard's site. The reason I'm considering this is it is about a third of the width of a straight blade. Using such a narrow stone would provide the most even wear along the length of the blade in beginning, middle and end of the stroke while using the x pattern.

My personal belief is that the narrow dimension of many vintage stones is perhaps for this reason. No I don't have anything factual to back up my supposition.

It seems that most of us eventually get several of different sizes as this is a fun and ever desiring more gear kind of hobby.

MikeB

I would also agree that it's all about personal preference. I think something around 1.5 inches wide might be the most versitile, since they are decently wide but should still be effective for warped/smiley blades.

Originally Posted by Earthdawn

What yellow coticule size is needed ?

Don't all jump in and say 8" x 4" lol

But they come in so many sizes and of course the price range can just dramtically with that.

For a beginner what is a good size to have ?
Is length as important as width ? ( please don't even !)

Thanks

Hello Earthdawn,

in my experience 20 x 5 cm is a good size. It is also possible to hone razors with irregular spine.

I currently have a 1 1/4" x 6" coticule, and I like it very much. But, with the narrower stones, as it was mentioned above, are a little harder to keep the razor flat on while honing. I say if you can keep a razor flat on a narrower hone (i.e. 1"-2") go for that, but if you have difficulty with keeping it flat go for the wider.

I think the reason more experienced honers, i.e. Lynn, prefer the 3" wide ones is because they have advance techniques that they can use to account for warped blades even on a wide stone.

I recently ordered a 8"x2" from Howard. That seems to be the nice compromise for me between a wide and narrow hone.

Dave