Thread: How can some people shave off a 12K and like it?

A few years back, when I was trying to decide whether I should go the coticule route in my honing, I made it a point to send a razor to Josh Earl, who primarily used coticules in his honing. I specified that the razor be finished on a coti, no pastes after. I liked the result so much (even compared to razors from other honemeisters) that I sold whatever stones I had then and switched. I never looked back.

Of course, I did not expect the same results from my hands, but that edge was the gold standard I was always shooting for every time I honed a razor.

I have to admit that since then, Josh honed one of my razors and finished it on his then new Nakayama (again, no pastes), after the coticule, and I liked that edge even more. That time, it was when I was trying to decide about plunging the $ for a Nakayama.

The point I am trying to make is, don't give up on the edge off the coticule until you have had the chance to experience it's fullest potential. I'd try a razor fresh off Bart's, Josh's, or Howard's (no offense to our other experts) stones first.

Another point, directed particularly for new folks deciding on which stone to buy next: try that approach I mentioned. Not only will it save you time and money, it won't leave you blaming the stones when you don't like the results you get.

Its funny you posted this, Just the other day I red a thread at the coticule cafiteria in which someone had written that he used a dry coti to polish his razor which was giving him a hard time,and that it worked for him.
I got out mine and used it on a J Torry which was good ,but not great,well the short story is that it worked better than I could have hoped,smooth as silk.so I think its not always the stone but the way you use it.
Griz

I started with just a cot and loved the edge. Then I got an escher and couldn't imagine ever finishing on the cot again. Then for kicks I tried a helje of the cot and loved it (a couple years later). And now I giggle at how good an edge I get off my shumate barber hone.

I think beard type etc has a lot do with things - I am fine at honing, but need to touch up regularly. I think it's my tough beard, not any infirmity. But you can good really good with certain hones even if you ultimately prefer others. ie if you got stuck on an island with a cot you'd end up getting so good with it you'd never want anything else.

wow I go from the 8000, to strop, and dont have to re hone for a few months. what am I doing wrong?
I have however been thinking of getting something a little finer, maybe a 12.

If you are liking your shaves and they are comfortable off a 8K, you will really like it off 12K!