Thread: Why do I need a Coticle?

My expertise at honing does not come anywhere close to the guys on this forum like Glen and Lynn, so this just from my limited experience:

I own a Norton 4000/8000 combo, and have used it with varied success at restoring edges, but finally got it to work (except on one razor, which Lynn A. kindly redid for me!). About half a year ago, I wanted to add a finishing stone to the collection. I also wanted a single stone that would easily fit into the shaving kit and I could take along on some extended trips (2mths.+) to places where there would be no honing services available. The coticule was recommended by Lynn and a few other people, and has admirably fulfilled the intended role.

I bought the 150x50mm stone through SRD at $160. Didn't even have to use it until more than four months into the trip, when stropping and the green paste just didn't quite do it anymore. I worked up a good thick slurry on the yellow side of the coti, did about 10 circles and 10 x-strokes on each side of the razor, then twice thinned the slurry down and repeated. Did this with my two travel razors, a Dovo Maestro, and a TI Evide Sonnant. Edge came right back on both, and I'm still getting BBS shaves today, six weeks later.

I think that diligent stropping, occasional use of chromium paste, and an occasional honing on the coticule are a more than adequate maintenance regimen for a working razor, and I really like not having to schlep all kids of different stones around with me!

PS: The blue side of the coti works really great on my thicker blades. Have used it with good success on Shun chef knives and others!