Thread: Question about using Escher/Thuringian

That's good information. To answer the question, I use a Belgian BBW/coti for honing, but as a beginner, I have not been willing to try honing any of my actual "shave ready" razors until I get the skills for it. I've been able to get a trash Chinese razor relatively sharp using these stones, but I feel like I'm still not at the stage where I need to be.

In other words, the razors that I am polishing on the Escher/Thuringian now have been honed by someone else (Bob Keyes), and I believe that he uses a typical Norton 4k/8k setup and then just stropping.

I was hoping that the combination of the Escher/Thuringian I am using now plus good stropping technique will keep the razor edges I have now fresh and sharp for a while. I'm finding that I can go many months without needing any rehoning, but a few of the blades start to "pull" and catch on whiskers after about 10 shaves or so, even with the best stropping (or at least the best stropping that I can do). Does it make sense to use the Escher/Thuringian in that situation? Anyway, I hope so!

Originally Posted by JeffE

Does it make sense to use the Escher/Thuringian in that situation?

Yes it does. If that doesn't refresh the edge sufficiently you might try dropping down to your coticule and then back up to the Thuringan. If all you are honing is razors that Bob has already honed then we can be confident that the bevels were set. If you're honing razors that you got off ebay or locally you might think about getting a bevel setter and work your way up.

I never notice swarf on my finishing hones, but when I go to wipe down the blades after I'm done I no sometimes notice a hint of black on the papertowel. That's about it, though.

I find that it takes a rather descriminating thumb/hair/shave test to find the differences between the various finishing hones. For example, I can't tell apart my C12k, Asagi, or Thurry at all, but I'm sure others would be able to. Like anything else, it just takes experience.

Excellent, and I appreciate the help, guys! --Jeff

I have several Escher's, and I never notice anything build up on them. One stone is in a box and still has instructions, It say's, that a "Fine Slime" will develop when you use it.
Here's a pic of a small 5x1 with instructions....

Thanks! I actually have the exact same label inside my box (same words, everything) but without the little "E&Co." cup, which is why mine will probably always be just an alleged Escher. It seems to work well enough that I decided to keep it despite this problem, and I still don't get any "fine slime" while I'm working, but I will keep trying!

Originally Posted by JeffE

Thanks! I actually have the exact same label inside my box (same words, everything) but without the little "E&Co." cup, which is why mine will probably always be just an alleged Escher. It seems to work well enough that I decided to keep it despite this problem, and I still don't get any "fine slime" while I'm working, but I will keep trying!

That is because your's doesn't have the little cup. The fine slime is kept in the little cup.

Originally Posted by JeffE

Thanks! I actually have the exact same label inside my box (same words, everything) but without the little "E&Co." cup, which is why mine will probably always be just an alleged Escher. It seems to work well enough that I decided to keep it despite this problem, and I still don't get any "fine slime" while I'm working, but I will keep trying!

What happens as the surface of the hone dries?

Originally Posted by JeffE

Thanks! I actually have the exact same label inside my box (same words, everything) but without the little "E&Co." cup, which is why mine will probably always be just an alleged Escher. It seems to work well enough that I decided to keep it despite this problem, and I still don't get any "fine slime" while I'm working, but I will keep trying!

Neither do I, so don't feel bad. Also, consider the size, it may take a few more strokes than normal to get the desired result.

Hi JeffE,

I am a fellow beginner who also happens to own a Coticule and Escher (with the slime cup). My straights have also been honed by others, and I likewise have been learning the best way to touch up (best for me that is). And my name is also Jeff. Cue twilight zone music.

My coti is this one: Coticule008 - home of the famous Belgian Coticule Whetstone
Bart recommended it as being gentle on the skin, and it is indeed. I touch up on just water and believe it is really all I would ever need for touch ups.

But I bought a Vintage Escher from the classifieds while waiting the 4 weeks for the coti to show up. They arrived the same day.

I tried the Escher with just water and really did not like the shave at all. Then was taught that the Escher is just for polishing (with slurry) as the final step - something is needed before hand to do the actual sharpening. Such as the Nakayama Kiita (with slurry) that I also just happened to buy.

Since none of my straights need a touch up right now I have not had the chance to try this Nakayama/Escher combo yet.

Have you tried your coti with just water for touch up yet? Some people really do not like the edge off a coti, and I waited a long time before buying one because of some opinions from people I trust. But I learned through trial and error that what works for others does not always work for me.

Good luck, have fun.
jeff