Hey All,
So I've recently decided to get back into straight shaving. My original plan of action was to pick up a set of Naniwas and a nice natural finisher. Well I just received my nice Nakayama Kiita from Alex, but after receiving it I don't think I want to use synthetic stones at all. I used to get on quite well with just the use of a combo coticule. So long story short, I'm picking up a La Veinette natural combo bout.
My progression will be roughly as follows:
1) Coticule with heavy slurry if bevel work is needed.
2) Diluting slurry on coti.
(optional) 2a) If edge is not quite up to par, hone on BBW with light slurry
3) Polish on coti with just water
4) Nakayama with slight slurry, diluting as I go
5) Polish on Nakayama with plain water
6) Strop
I always prefered to use natural stones over synthetic ones, it seems much more in check with the whole zen of shaving to me. I know they're not good for beginners, but I have had a lot of practice and success with coticules and Japanese stones. As a bonus, I won't need a whole stone system and will just have to keep 2 pretty stones in my cupboard. :)
I've been out of the game for a while, but is the coticule still popular or used by some members? I know there has been debate about slurry and such, but is anybody still using their coti for other than polishing?
Anyways, I'm excited to be using natural stones once again!
