Quote Originally Posted by StraightRazorDave View Post
That's interesting to know, thanks Gary. So it does seem like the coticule would be a good maintenance hone.

I think I remember Bart saying that coticules don't vary as much in the polishing qualities as they do when they're used with slurry for cutting. What I mean is that when you throw slurry into the equation there are a lot of variations in cutting ability from coticule to coticule, but those coticules will vary much less when it comes to there polishing abilities when used with just water. It does seem that some are just not as good at polishing, but those are probably the super soft and fast ones.....I dunno, ask Bart!

I think it's funny how it seems that many threads in the honing forum not specifically about coticules seem to degenerate into a discussion about coticules.
Yes thats what i have found when slurry is used they can differ i brought several to compare they all copare relatrivly the same they feel slightly differant when in use they also look differant when i asked bart how to tell a good polisher he did say he could'nt say if i remember rightly ovously if you have a soft one it would create a slurry whilst polishing which would'nt be any good unless you kept it under running water. I have 5x3 coti from howard it is realy light with pink swirls in it and that one cuts fairly well not rapid but quiker than my others if i use pressure they all remove metal fairly quik circles and back and forth strokes the slurry turns grey quik. If i hone on slurry i can bearly shave if i do 100 laps on coti water i can shave much better so coti with water must sharpen razor and polish