Thread: Yellow Coticule or combination

Not saying you can't do it between the 1200 and the coticule but I love combo stones. A 3x8 if you've got the extra $ or a 2x6 is fine too. Just another arrow in the quiver. If you're only going to buy one stone why not go for the gusto ?

Now I just need to find a place to get a good deal on one heh:P (In Canada)

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

If you're only going to buy one stone why not go for the gusto ?

Because a combination stone is a waste of money if the BBW doesn't actually help achieve anything? Just a thought...

Originally Posted by BeBerlin

Because a combination stone is a waste of money if the BBW doesn't actually help achieve anything? Just a thought...

So you would recommend the just the coticule instead?

Thanks!

JF

Originally Posted by Dups

So you would recommend the just the coticule instead?

Let me put it this way: I saw Bart hone everything on my Coticule, from wedges to singing hollows. Solingens, Sheffields, you name it. So it can be done. The old argument still stands: Synthetic hones have the potential to deliver more consistent results, and depending on the particular Coticule, synthetics can be a lot faster. But then again, I'm into straight razors because I like traditional stuff that works. I happen to own synthetic hones, but I do not use them. If I had to hone more than the odd razor per week, I might be tempted, though.

Originally Posted by BeBerlin

Because a combination stone is a waste of money if the BBW doesn't actually help achieve anything? Just a thought...

That would be true if it didn't but IME it does. Read Bart's excellent posts on using the BBW with slurry in conjunction with the coticule. When I use them that is my routine. Different strokes.

Horses for courses, Jimmy. Straight razor honing - home of the famous Belgian Coticule Whetstone has the gory details. And yes, I do own a natural combination hone

I think that going from a 1200 DMT, i'd go for a combination. I use one & the BBW is a really fantastic stone.
I use mine with quite a thick slurry. When i'm happy with what that's achieved, i move on to the Coticule with just water for the next, or final stage, depending how far i want to take the razor.
I don't dilute the BBW slurry at all. If i'm using it, it's got to be with a thick slurry. Conversely, using the Coti after, i'll never use a slurry. I find it dulls the blade a little.
If i use the coticule prior to the BBW, to work on the bevel, i do use a slurry.
Each to his own, but that works for me.

I'm still split whether to go combination or coticule...

Seriously, not sure what they set you back in Canada, but a coticule is well worth it. You would save up on a lot of slurry by starting on the DMT 1200 if you want, but I assure you you will quickly use just one stone.

But hey, seriously now: Use whatever hone you fancy most I took the coticule because, well I'm from Belgium and thought it deserved a shot

Honestly, I have never tried anything else besides a coticule, but I have honed plenty of razors on mine and they all shave. For serious chips, don't rape the coticule, use sandpaper, other than that, you start on the coticule, and then just add water as you go. I don't use the extra tape rule of Bart, I just add drops of water gently, until only water is left, it is relaxing and a fun way of honing, you really see the progress watching the slurry/water run up the blade.