Plus 1 most Barber Hones are targeted around the 5x2 size, seems to be about ideal for holding them in the hand for quick touch ups
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Some guys like a narrower hone for warped spines or maybe smiling blades. I prefer a 2" or 2 1/2 but I've had 1 7/16 eschers that worked real well. Inch and a quarter is one I've not personally messed with.
Thank you for your replies. I have another question, but I will start a new thread; didn't mean to hijack this one.
My first coticule was 40 x 125 mm, which is roughly 1 1/2 x 5 in. I got used to it despite the small size. It cost me $69.00.
I just ordered a slightly larger one - 50 x 150mm, which is roughly 2 x 6 in. I was actually more interested in the extra width than length. It's only a small increase in size but I expect it will be helpful to have even a little extra area. It cost me $120.00, so there's a significant price increase for such a small increase in size. There's an ever more significant increase in price when you go up to 3 x 8 in, and then you're talking about a stone larger than the typical barber hone.
Im using a 125x35mm Coticule to touch up my razor, its some kind of aggressive so that in most cases 10 Strokes are enough. After honing with the coticule i usually use a Chromoxide Strop to mellow the Edge or my Celebrated Water Razor Hone, shaving direct from the coticule is possible, but i prefer a smoother edge.
Sham has a great video he just posted on youtube. He explains how coticules vary in nature, how to use them as one stone honing with varying slurry stones, etc.
http://youtu.be/rS1hUkbPsgo
not all coticules are great for razors, despite the continuing argument otherwise. I know because I have owned coticules myself that are inclusion free but ruin a razor edge, or just finished at a 4K level feeling edge. Enjoy.
Thats Right, not all cotis are great for Razors, at the moment i have six that are, but ive also had a few that werent good enough for razors, so i gave them away for sharpening kitchen tools.