Thread: How Do You Get That Perfect Coticule?

I really must recommend ArdennesCoticule, I just ordered a small selected of the classifieds here, much cheaper than their web-page, and with a slurry-stone for only 4 €. Very recommended dealer, and make sure you check the classifieds before heading over to their web-shop!

Originally Posted by Ryan82

Thanks for the input guys. Perhaps a belgian combo would be the best route, but I have yet to decide. I have read many older threads regarding coticules, especially from Bart, and I realize that they are probably THE most versatile hone out there.
Bart, if you ever read this, a big thanks. I have been reading your threads long before I was a member. We SRP members are in your debt for your meticulous experimenting.
I should get a hone soon though as I know my razor is getting less keen my the shave!

Ryan

Well... I am reading. Thank you for the encouraging words.
I actually typed half an answer yesterday, and decided not to post, because I realized I was about to make statements that I can't back up with hard evidence.

I have a decent collection of Coticules, and for those Coticules I know the differences pretty well. I have a Coticule that I use primarily for bevel correction, 'cause it removes steel so fast with slurry. With water, that one can be used to finish as well, but I never do, because I have better ones for that. I have a glassy, very white Coticule that is just great for finishing after a 10K synthetic waterstone. It really adds a smoothness to the edge that's not there without that stone. For finishing after the Belgian Blue however, that same Coticule is not very good. In polishing mode (no use of slurry) Coticules in general have almost no capabilities to boost the keenness, they just excel in smoothening the edge and lend the edge a typical sort of "forgiveness". My glassy white one is the king of kings in that field, but it has zero power in making the edge a tad keener, which leaves something left to be desired if used after the Belgian Blue. The majority of my other Coticules perform anywhere between those two.

I really think that if you purchase any Coticule that's free from coarse inclusions and that's not so soft that it generates slurry by merely honing, you're going to be just fine, whether you buy from Howard or directly from Ardennes Coticule.

Some people, like myself, have grown so up-tight about honing, that they're always on the lookout for that perfect edge, that asks for a different approach on each razor and also on each face. Such guys, for whom honing is as much a hobby as shaving is, just love to carry on endlessly about the finer nuances between two hones of the same type, but we must not exagerate those differences.

Maybe, just maybe:

- after a BBW or a DMT 8K, go for a soft Coticule.
- after a Norton 8K, go for a medium Coticule.
- after a Shapton 8K, 16K, a Chosera 10K, reach for a hard Coticule.

Maybe.

All the best,
Bart.

PS. "Tonight's The Night" is my all time favorite record...

Originally Posted by Bart

Some people, like myself, have grown so up-tight about honing, that they're always on the lookout for that perfect edge, that asks for a different approach on each razor and also on each face. Such guys, for whom honing is as much a hobby as shaving is, just love to carry on endlessly about the finer nuances between two hones of the same type, but we must not exagerate those differences.

I resemble that remark. Ryan, you won't find the perfect coticule ...... because I've got it. Kidding aside an 8 or a 6X2 natural would be what I would get. Also a slurry stone.