We are always trying to improve our shave through honing. In the last two years I have tried all kind of methods, pyramid, progressive, you name it, I tried it. Recently, I purchased a set of Belgian coti stones and a Chinese 12k. I went to this forum to get all the information needed to use these stones. I read everything I could find on the subject. Finally, I was well read on the subject. One thing is to read about the subject and another is to actually hone the razor. I followed all the instructions to the letter and it worked. I was still not satisfied with the shave. I used one TI with c135 carbon steel and the other was another TI "Le Grelot", both very nice shavers. Formula used BBW w/ slurry, Coti w/ water, Chinese 12k w/ water, cro2 and latigo strop. I went back to the Chinese 12 k w/ Coti-yellow diluted slurry, cro2, latigo strop and to my pleasant surprise the shaves were better than any previous shaves with any other razors. I was able to shave my chin properly, underneath the jaws, and mustach, no cuts or nicks. Why? I do not know, but if you do, explain it to me. Chinese 12k w/coti slurry? Juan