Coticule question

[redhead shaver]

My question is are all Coticules similar. I have found a online sharpening stone store that sells a kit that includes a Belgian Blue 2x6 and a Natural Coticlule 2x6 and a Slurry stone for $176. Is this a good deal or could I do better? I have purchased from them before and like the store. I just don't know much about Coticules, but I want to try them. Here is what the store says about them.

Belgian Blue and Coticule sharpening stones are natural-earth stones with unique sharpening abilities. Belgian sharpening stones contain a large percentage of garnet crystals. Garnet is only third in hardness behind diamond and corundum. The crystals are shaped like a soccer ball which makes them ideal for sharpening.
This unique shape of the crystals together with their hardness results in a combination of fast cutting and fine honing that is unmatched by other stones.
The Blue Stone is 4000 grit and composed of 20-30% garnet crystals. It is best suited for sharpening hunting, fishing and kitchen knives.
The yellow Coticule Stone is 8000 grit and has a garnet composition of 30-42%. The Coticule is popular with straight-razor users, woodworkers and knife enthusiasts who want the very best.
This kit contains 1-2”x6” Blue Stone, 1- 2”x6” Coticule and 1 Slurry stone.

They say they only have a few left in stock and don't expect to get any more so, if I want it I need to act fast. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Mike H]

Look here for pictures, descriptions and prices.

 

[Raithskar]

First off if you want a Coticule I would suggest Jarrod at the Superior shave. He lists all rock by Vein (if applicable) and he posts pictures of all he has for sale at the moment. Chances are the set up you are looking for will be a coticule, but the seller probably has no Idea of what Vein it came from, or any knowledge of them other than it is a whetstone from Belgium. No to put down that seller, but each coticule has it's own characteristics. Particular veins are usually consistent, but each stone has it's own nuances to learn. Just be careful, HAD (hone Aquisition Disorder) can set in very easily. I have 5.

I would email Jarrod and check out his website http://www.thesuperiorshave.com. Let him know your beard type (coarse, medium or fine) and if you have sensitive skin or not. He can get you fixed up with some great options. He is very knowledgeable.

You can get a very nice Coticule w/Slurry Stone for the price of that kit you are looking at.

Hope I helped.

 

[ouch]

Yeah. Act fast. And they have a guy coming down this afternoon to look at the last one.

You can do better.

 

[Obiwan]

Are they similar, depends who you ask. All are capable of being used for sharpening, but as it is a natural stone there perform differently (speed,feel of edge and feedback when using). What will you be using it for? Do you need/want the BBW?

As for the price, for me thats a bit high unless you are really looking for 2 different stones. I think if I was in your shoes I'd probably like to pick out my own at The Superior Shave. At a minimum, its a fantastic reference point for stone prices. Oh, that and Jarrod is about one of the best guys you can deal with.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Disburden]

Howard at theperfectedge has always helped me with coticules, selected them for me personally and knows how to hone razors and use razor hones. He has been in business for years and knows all about coticules...He only carries select grade (no inclusions) and will pick a clean stone for you without cracks or other impurities.

If you email through his website he will personally write back to you and tell you about the coticules he has in stock.
Back in the day of old coticule prices (When they were much lower) we all got the big 8x3" size from him and they are all beautiful clean stones.

 

[redhead shaver]

Thanks guys. I will hold off and look into more respected sources.

 

[Proinsias]

Seems a bit much to me. For $100 Jarrod can provide you with a natural combo stone of the same size & a slurry stone included.

I would also take the 4000/8000 grit claims with a pinch of salt - Ardennes quarry suggested these numbers a while back but they aren't exactly set in stone.

 

[Slash McCoy]

I think Jarrod will beat those prices! And you get a lot more detailed information about the stones you are buying. You can even see pics of the exact rock you are getting.

 

[gary haywood]

i'd seriously recomend jarrads sight he is a fantastic vendor with bags of experiance with coticules.. the efort he puts into all those detailed pictures says it all..

 

[Obiwan]

...and if you don't care about selecting the stone yourself. I believe he may still have the sight unseen value offer.

 

[redhead shaver]

I just emailed Jarrod about 3 or 4 hours ago and with in an hour he got back to me. Wow talk about customer service. He made some recommendations and I am contemplating them now. Hopefully tomorrow I will have my mind made up on the stone I will get. Thanks everyone for pointing me towards Jarrod. He is a stand up guy from my short conversation with him. He took the time to address my personal needs and made recommendations based on that. I will be getting a smaller rock probably in the 5 to 6 inch range, based on his recommendations and my budget.

 

[Obiwan]

Buying from him his highly addictive, lol. Congrats

 

[Doc226]

+1 on getting the stone from Jarrod, fantastic CS. While you are it, get some silicon sleeves.

 

[Proinsias]

Silicone sleeves, what are these?

 

[cb91710]

Silicone sleeves, what are these?

Silicone impregnated "socks" for keeping moisture away from the blades.
Sporting goods stores sell a larger version of them as "gun socks".

 

[Doc226]

Silicone sleeves, what are these?

http://thesuperiorshave.com/Straight_Razor_Sheaths_Cases_Rolls.html

Scroll to the end of the page. I have used them on all my straights, never oil, never rust. I even keep carbon steel in the bathroom and my wife STEAMS up the bathroom.

 

[Proinsias]

Flash back.

They were on the list, they fell off the list. The are now on the list again. Thanks.