I recently read a post where a member in Canada purchased a Coticule here in the states. That made me curious, since there's a vendor in Canada that sells them.
What are your main considerations when purchasing a Coticule. I know Bart sells them for Ardennes, or at least he used to. He rates each individual stone, and can give detailed information about it, such as it's cutting speed, with and without slurry. Information like this is invaluable.
Especially to the new honer. I would think this would be a no brainer.. However, if you can't get one, then that's a problem..
Coticules are as unique as the person using them. Some are better cutters, while other's are better finishers.
Coticules are probably the hardest hone to master, especially if your new.
If you have one, you really need to stick with it and get to know it. They can impart a very nice edge on your blade, but you really need to put your time in.
So, What are your considerations....?
Is price the deciding factor? Do you take into consdieration shipping charges, and whether or not the stones insured. Will the seller replace it no questions asked if you don't like it...? or if you find a hairline crack..?
Does it come with a slurry?
If it's lost in the mail, Will the seller replace it, if no insurance is purchased?
How important is grade to you, Select vs Standard?
How important is the seller's knowledge of the product, I.E. Like Bart, Can he tell you specifics about the hone itself.
How important is the vein to you. Does it matter if it's La Petite Blance, or Dressante, or La Grise, Nouvelle vein, etc....
There's a lot to think about, and I'm curious as to how folks decide where to buy there stones with so many options available to them....There's probably things I haven't thought of......
Rich