Not so practical stone question

[LittleLebowski]

I'm still figuring out straight razor shaving and really don't see a point of trying to top the wonderful edge that Bayomontate put on my USMC issue Clauss but I would like to learn more about honing, specifically on knives and whatnot.

I do understand that the logical answer might be "films and synthetic stones". However, I am drawn to the idea of a quarried/cut stone hone. I own a Belgian rifle and a Belgian dog so the progression is natural in my mind.

All of that being said, I would like suggestions/guidance, and if my reasoning is unsound, please correct me.

 

[Legion]

Sure, start with a coticule. Why not?

Head to The Superior Shave's website to browse and get an idea of what they cost. The owner is very helpful as well.

 

[life2short1971]

No your spot on I agree with the natural stones and Belgians are a great way to go. The vintage ones can be had quite cheaply with a bit of luck or there are many vendors for them including the mine itself. http://www.ardennes-coticule.com/index.asp?intro

 

[Sando]

I think a Belgian Coticule (the only kind, I believe) generally makes sense for razors but especially in your case...it can bond with the dog and the rifle.
As for use with knives, I know it can be done. Here's some info that may help you.

...Ray

 

[LittleLebowski]

I think a Belgian Coticule (the only kind, I believe) generally makes sense for razors but especially in your case...it can bond with the dog and the rifle.
As for use with knives, I know it can be done. Here's some info that may help you.

...Ray

Thanks for the link! Maybe I should look into a good Arkansas stone......

 

[danjared]

The only thing I'd watch out for is that you probably want to avoid a coticule that will easily gouge or flake if the edge of a blade goes into the hone's surface. That rules out most coticule hones of La Grise layer, for example. If you want, you could email Ardennes-Coticule directly and ask for a hone that you are planning to use with both knives and razors.

 

[LittleLebowski]

What grit would work best for finishing knives?

 

[danjared]

What grit would work best for finishing knives?

If you're using a coticule, that's all the finishing you'd need on a knife.

 

[joshua1970]

I'm still figuring out straight razor shaving and really don't see a point of trying to top the wonderful edge that Bayomontate put on my USMC issue Clauss but I would like to learn more about honing, specifically on knives and whatnot.

I do understand that the logical answer might be "films and synthetic stones". However, I am drawn to the idea of a quarried/cut stone hone. I own a Belgian rifle and a Belgian dog so the progression is natural in my mind.

All of that being said, I would like suggestions/guidance, and if my reasoning is unsound, please correct me.

I am just getting into coticles myself, have 2 now and the feel on these are so unique (even when compared to each other) so I am a bit biased but i HIGHLY recommend picking one up!

I got one from Jarrod at The Superior Shave (he was very helpful in choosing one) and another from a fellow B&Ber.. still learning both, but so glad to have them.

I, too, am a fan of belgian firearms ( FN FAL and a PS90) and 15 years ago had a Belgian Shepherd (Malinois) which I adopted from a friend who couldn't keep her. they are truly GREAT dogs! Curious what kind of Belgian pooch you have? Assuming it's a shepherd.... Groenendael, Tervuren, Malinois or Laekenois?

 

[LittleLebowski]

Malinois and FAL, Joshua.

 

[Proinsias]

For knives the bbw is worth a look. You get a lot more real estate for your cash compared to a coticule. I just touched up my carbon gyuto with a 1k king>bbw and the edge is wonderful, doubt I could tell the difference between the bbw and coticule finish for most kitchen use. Shame not to buy one if you want sharp knives and Belgian stones.

 

[joshua1970]

Malinois and FAL, Joshua.

OMG!!! absolutely beautiful!!!! (both the Mal & FAL!) I need to get some work done on my FAL, you just reminded me. (thanks!!)

please give skritches from B&B what's his/her name? love that facial expression!!

I miss my mally, she had such a work frive. Currently have a st bernard, a Bernese mtn dog and a German-bred GSD (Schutzhund III, was trained to be a k-9 dog but she was too small so her trainer/owner adopted her to me) talk about work drive!!! took her 3 years to figure out she's a pet and not on the job lol.

she's got the dark Mal facial mask to boot, but she's an Alsatian 100%. in fact it's time to take the pooches for a game of fetch.

and back to the subject, again I'm just learning the cotis I've received, but so far I am loving their feel, one is much harder than the other but both seem to be able to make a very comfortable edge.... they are unlike any stones I've used thus far (granted they have been only synthetic/ceramics - Nortons and Spyderco XF specifically)

never tried honing straight razors until just recently, and I now understand why so many praise the Belgian yellow cotis!!!

if you don't like it, I guarantee you will get what you paid for it - or close to it - on B/S/T!!

 

[LittleLebowski]

For knives the bbw is worth a look. You get a lot more real estate for your cash compared to a coticule. I just touched up my carbon gyuto with a 1k king>bbw and the edge is wonderful, doubt I could tell the difference between the bbw and coticule finish for most kitchen use. Shame not to buy one if you want sharp knives and Belgian stones.

OK, what is "the bbw?"

 

[Proinsias]

Belgian Blue Whetstone, coticule veins run through the bbw. Depending on the coticule the backing may be bbw but you can also buy the stones on their own for a third or so of the price of a coticule. If you see a natural combo coticule then the backing will be bbw and some of the older glued coticules come with a bbw backing.

You can get them direct from Ardennes http://uk.ardennes-coticule.com/index.asp?id=395

 

[jeness]

Just send a message to Jarrod at TSS with the specifications on what you are looking for, ask for a slurrystone, and start reading a lot

If you have the patience to learn it, than you will like your coti.

 

[Slash McCoy]

BBW is also an internet euphemism ("Big Beautiful Woman") for a fat chick. Oh, and hey, wasn't Dr Evil Belgian?