Thread: Help needed with coticule honing.

Hi there. So, I've been using a straight razor for roughly six months, and it is now very blunt. I got given a Belgian coticule as a gift (wouldn't have been my first choice as I'm new to honing). I've been playing around with it and so far I'm not getting anywhere. I blunted the razor on a jam jar first (so it no longer shaves arm hair), then proceeded to raise a thick slurry and try some different strokes. No matter what stroke I use, the slurry goes grey very quickly, but the edge gets no sharper - any tips would be welcome.

You should not have blunted it. Look on Youtube under coticule and follow the videos. I just think you wiped out the edge completely, and need to rese
t the bevel and progress to sharp.

Tried techniques for resetting the bevel (half X back and forth strokes) - still getting the same thing, very grey slurry but no edge to speak of.

Even though a bevel could be set with a Coticule, I prefer to set the bevel with my Chosera 1K. You would be set with those two stones.

Hey, K.

I certainly have not found them the easiest rock to master, but can reliably get most edges above an 8k level in sharpness. With no mention of what you've read or been told about their use, perhaps some 'how to' links would be helpful.
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http://coticule.be/unicot.html
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http://coticule.be/dilucot-honing-method.html
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also, a description of your coti - or better, a photo might help others identify some of the stereotypic behaviors.

A thick slurry can have quite a dulling effect on the edge, known as slurry dulling, my guess is that this is at least part of your problem, the slurry shouldn't be any thicker than it looking like you've spilled milk on the stone.

I also much prefer setting the bevel on a 1K synthetic stone, but it is doable with a coticule.

sounds like your new to honing? so what ever hone you use you will not get instant results. i can get great edges that are as nice as it gets with one coticule. then again i've ben using coticules a long ish while .. your best bet is to go to coticule.be read through sharpening acadamey and go from there. sounds like its quikenought to set a bevel also sounds like your slurry is very thick. read up and se if your atempts get any better.
any one who can reach 8k level should be able to get a great shave wheather its 8k norton or a coticule .
gary

Coticules take a while to master. Darkening or graying slurry is an idication that you are removing steel. A good sign. The faster you see that, the faster your stone is, normally. If your blade does need the bevel re set, (and it sounds like it does) it could take a while. If this is your only razor, you may want to send it out to be honed, and get another razor to practice honing on.

K, if its your only blade, 'would be happy to hone - just pick up postage costs.

Also, if its your only blade, you need a 2nd blade to keep shaving with while you learn honing on the other one. 'Doesn't need to be a costly blade, but should have a straight edge (no smile or frown), preferably full hollow, and needs to have some metal that extends below the shoulder stabilizers 'cause you're gonna need to be able to wear some of that metal away.

i think you most likely ruined your bevel. You will probably have more luck setting the bevel on a 1k stone.