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I prefer the coticule for finishing and actual honing. But I have a really coarse beard, and it beats the crap out of my edges.

I've found that edges finished on a pasted strop don't last as long...

Ryan,

That's great! Congrats. It took me a couple of months to get to that point. :)

Now begins your quest for the perfect edge...

Josh

I'd say it's more of an issue for slightly warped blades than for smiles.

Nice, even smiles are easier for me than the blades where the toe and heel have a more abrupt curve. But I've always had...

I'd even argue that the smaller size is more versatile. Narrow hones work great with razors that have a smile or slight warp to the blade. I have two sizes, a 2" wide coticule and a 1.5" wide one...

Ryan,

The progression you suggested would work very well, especially supplemented by the barber hones you already have. It will take a little longer than the other hones, though.

A 5"x1.5"...