Thread: Only Have a Coticule

Hello All,

Been away for a while, happy to see SRP still strong and growing. I have been using a 6"x2" yellow coticule solely for sharpening my blades. Although a great finisher and while I like the stone, feel it gives some inconsistent edges . . keenness? Which is most likely due to "operator error" & working on a small surface area. I like the broad options it gives; ie, slurry for fast cutting, plain wet as finisher, etc. But, in using a razor I got from ebay, where the seller finished the edge on some Japanese sounding stone I was amazed at its performance.

I am interested in looking at expanding my sharpening equipment (and skills), "up another notch" and while looking at the Wiki, past posts, I am open to suggestions; ie, just get a Norton 4/8K, Japanese 5/9K, etc, etc. I think my focus should be concentrated on developing a consistent cutting edge (bevel), then use my coticule as the finisher. I welcome all input.

Thanks all!

Alpsman

Hi, welcome back!

My only suggestion when starting down the multiple stone track is don't overdo it and start just collecting everything that has ever been mentioned in some orgy of stone collection. Spend the time learning how to get the best from each before getting more. There's nothing wrong with having every stone under the sun, but if you don't learn how to use each you'll be a "jack of all stones, master of none"!

James.

After a few months of honing, use a lot of different stones (HAD got me), I'd say the main thing I've learned is having a base "go-to" system is a must, something like Shaptons, Nanivas or Nortons.
These are quite reliable and will give you nice and consistent result, just about every time. At least that's how I feel about my Shaptons.
I dabble with cotis, C12K and Jnats, but every time I struggle, I know I can just hit the razor with the Shaptons, and I will be good to go in no time.
I've tried my cotis with all kinds of diddeliiduddelicots and what not, but I don't get very consistent results that way, I get much better results doing a razor up to 8k on the Shaptons and then use the other stones strictly as finishers.
That's what seem to work for me.

I'd recommend you buying a good 1k and a Norton 4/8K or some Naniwa Super Stones.

Having been through the "stone orgy" , as mentioned by Jimbo, I'm down to a Chosera 1k to set bevels, a Norton 4/8 and a DMT D8C continuous diamond plate for flattening my hones. That is my basic sharpening setup. I have a few naturals too but that is another story.

Yeah, for consistency you want something synthetic. I'd say norton since it's the cheapest option. The problem with the coticule, or anything else one-hone, is that you have to vary the cutting power by diluting slurry, and that's a bit tricky, as the density is fairly hard to control. With a discrete grit system your only variable is the number of strokes, and that is pretty straightforward (there's also the amount of pressure, but that really comes into play only at the very beginning when establishing the bevel).

Using the coticule with just water as a finisher is very consistent.

Jimbo said it well. We throw out terms like HAD as a joke, but it's real. People get addicted to buying stones, and wind up with more than they need or will ever use. Get yourself a set Naniwa's, Nortons, or the Shaptons. Synthetics are consistent. You know now, Naturals are not. You have high end synthetic finisher's too, like the Shapton 16k, and 30k. Even the Nani 12k.

I'm happy with my Naniwa's.

Inconsistent edges may be more to do with your bevel setting than your finishing. If you use your coticule as a finisher I imagine it would cover the 8k range of things. You could get a 1k & 4k synthetic to cover the low to mid range & if you like the J.edges that much you could eventually get an appropriate Jfinisher.

Thanks all,

Onimaru55 makes a good point as I can actually see the bevel differences on some of my blades. SOOooo, I am now looking at getting a "cutter" as well. Perhaps the combo 220/1000? Will I notice a difference between the Naniwa & Norton (as a I will be new to using a full set)?

Thanks again!

I would say if you really need a sharpening stone just buy the Norton 4/8K and use that, you can set bevels on it if you need to it just takes longer than a 1K stone. I don't think spending money on a whole set of Shaptons or Naniwas is the answer since that would be hundreds of dollars. You can go norton to coticule just fine.

Keep in mind that the full set of Nortons is quite a nice buy, check SRD with Lynn & Don first and see if they have it in stock if not, then Amazon it..
There is no razor I have come across that can't be tamed with that set,, then you have the Coticule to adjust the final edge with when you want...
There are other sets of stones out there too, but the Nortons are well proved, and help with them is easy to come by and the price is right ...

Other ones to look at if you feel adventuresome
Naniwa
Shapton
King
Henckels (Naniwas)