Thread: Why do I need a Coticle?

No one needs a coticule, least of all you. I have several that I do not need. In contemplation of purchase, this thread was posted to justify its cost. Wasn't it?

Well, I've been working most of the day and missed this thread which has already been replied to by many with experience you can trust.
As Jim points out, they can be had for a fraction of 400 dollars.

And as Glen advises where an earlier reply wrongly said it will provide nothing other than a bridge between 1 and 12K; it is an alternative finisher to some razors such as those comprised of Sheffield Steel. For some reason I have also found that many Sheffields take a better finish with a coticule, where a finer synthetic will not give said finish.

You need a coticule for the same reason you need a straight razor; which is to say you don't really "need" one.There's lots of ways to remove whiskers without the hassle of a straight razor. There's lots of ways to hone a razor without learning to use a coticule. The fact is, though, they're fun! It's also interesting to use a stone that was noted historically like 2000 years ago.

Originally Posted by Scipio

And as Glen advises where an earlier reply wrongly said it will provide nothing other than a bridge between 1 and 12K; it is an alternative finisher to some razors such as those comprised of Sheffield Steel. For some reason I have also found that many Sheffields take a better finish with a coticule, where a finer synthetic will not give said finish.

What is wrong about that statement?A Coticule can be exactly that a bridge to 12k and perfectly capable to take on 1k edge. You know very well people use them for bevel setting to finishing if one likes Coticule edge. I find it to be inferior to 12k SS edge.

Originally Posted by mainaman

What is wrong about that statement?A Coticule can be exactly that a bridge to 12k and perfectly capable to take on 1k edge. You know very well people use them for bevel setting to finishing if one likes Coticule edge. I find it to be inferior to 12k SS edge.

I agree with that from my own experience. Taking it a step further, I also find it 'inferior' to a 1k synthetic in bevel setting. Not that people don't use it for that, but from the point of view of efficacy, it is just more work than it is worth AFAIC. YMMV. As a mid range up to and including finishing I like it ..... if I feel like shaving with what I find to be the typical edge from my coticules. Comfortable, forgiving, not as crisp as say an Escher or a 12k SS ...... again, this is IME with my coticules, YMMV.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I agree with that from my own experience. Taking it a step further, I also find it 'inferior' to a 1k synthetic in bevel setting. Not that people don't use it for that, but from the point of view of efficacy, it is just more work than it is worth AFAIC. YMMV. As a mid range up to and including finishing I like it ..... if I feel like shaving with what I find to be the typical edge from my coticules. Comfortable, forgiving, not as crisp as say an Escher or a 12k SS ...... again, this is IME with my coticules, YMMV.

Jimmy that is why I said it can bridge the 1k-12k gap, I would never use a Coticule for bevel setting because there are much faster stones for that, but it can very well take on 1k edge and take it way high in the smoothness scale.

I second what Pink added, for what it is worth. As has been stated a Coti should not cost the price that you mentioned, a J-Nat will. If you are getting a coticule for the experience why not get a finishing J-Nat and get both the experience and take the 12K edge you are getting to a new level? Just a though.

The only thing a Coticle did for me was make me aware of the feel and feedback of a natural stone and I wanted more. I ended up selling the Coticule and buy a finishing Asigi and have never looked back. There is a ton of information on J-Nats on the forum and there are people that will help you with your knowledge base. Sometimes it is confusing but there are vendors that can help, a lot. I wish JNS was going full strength when I started with Naturals (JapaneseNaturalStones). I have seen some very nice stones come from him at a very reasonable price, comparatively speaking.


Take Care,
Richard

Read what I wrote. "The nothing other", was the wrong part, not that people can use them as a bridge. My opinion of doing so is a different matter.

I have been working the coticules only; I sold my Nortons since they weren't getting used. I have a Naniwa 2K for setting the bevel and several coticules. I have been working two of them pretty good. The La Dressante is HARD and smooth. It won't slurry very much, but with donor slurry, it cuts fast; it's more of a high-end polisher with water. The La Grise is SOFT and smooth. I'm amazed at the difference between the two stones. This one will slurry quick, but you have to use just a small amount - real small. Too much slurry and it dulls the blade; one or two passes of the slurry stone makes more than enough slurry which gets diluted and continues to get diluted. This stone sharpens very nicely if you respect the slurry.

I know that I don't reach full potential of the blade with coticules, but I enjoy working the stones and seeing how different techniques and different slurries work. Coticules do leave a smooth edge which inspires confidence in shaving.

Originally Posted by JimR

Am I the only one who's utterly confused by the $300-400 part?

Who told you Coticules are that expensive?

I think he's just saying don't spend that much for one just because some are priced that high. A quick search for coticule on ebay gives 14 results - 3 are listed for over $300 and another for over $200

Originally Posted by JimR

You can get one of perfectly usable size for razors for far less.

Definitely. One doesn't have to overpay to get a coticule

Don't listen to these guys.

You know what happens when folks have something that's so wonderful, well...they want to keep it all for themselves so they dissuade you from getting one.

The fact of the matter is the coticule is the best honing stone in the world and you must buy one. Not only that but if you buy one you can do it all with it so you never have to buy another stone ever again. If you don't believe me, why I remember an article in Consumer Reports a year or so ago comparing honing stones and they gave the coticule a best buy and said nothing else even touches it. Not only that but it's the only stone that Bear guy on T.V would ever use out in the wilds. It's also the official honing stone of Lichtenstein (I bet you didn't know that did you? It's even on their state seal) I knew a guy who loved them so much he would grind one up into fine powder and sprinkle it on his frosted flakes for breakfeast each morning. He told me it gives him a sharp wit.

So once you buy yours give me a call. This month I'm selling shares in a small bridge I have ownership to in N.Y.C

Seriously though, it's a good stone, I have one but there is no magic in it.