I'm thinking of buying a coticule to hone razors with and I'm just wondering what a good or ideal size would be to do this with. I've seen the videos on Bart's site and from the looks of it he uses a fairly large stone. Just wondering if it's worth it. I'm assuming it would be easier then having a smaller stone and having to work an X pattern. Thanks in advance for any input.
Prefered size of coticule?
- Thread starter bmc1979
- Start date
If your just starting I would stay with 150x40 or larger but no less than 120 in length.You want to do an X whether the stone is 1inch wide or 4.
I agree with Life2Short.
150 or so by 40 mm (about 7x 1.5 inches) seems to be a perfect size for me. I've read a lot about some prefering even narrower hones, which is a direction i find myself leaning.
BUT, the x-stroke is a fundamental part of honing a razor, and is not a function of the stone.
Of the 15 or so razors i have, i can't think of a single one that sits perfectly flat on the hone. Even with a big bench stone, the x-stroke is still required. Don't think of it as an option, instead learn to use it to your advantage.
150 or so by 40 mm (about 7x 1.5 inches) seems to be a perfect size for me. I've read a lot about some prefering even narrower hones, which is a direction i find myself leaning.
BUT, the x-stroke is a fundamental part of honing a razor, and is not a function of the stone.
Of the 15 or so razors i have, i can't think of a single one that sits perfectly flat on the hone. Even with a big bench stone, the x-stroke is still required. Don't think of it as an option, instead learn to use it to your advantage.
6" x 2" is a great size, I think. Coticules of this size are also very reasonably priced and easy to find. If you've got the extra cash, spring for the 8" x 2"
I have very few razors that lay flat also. Even those I still use an X so width is not as important as length. The longer the stone the faster you can accomplish your task.
- Thread starter
- #6
Thanks everyone. Never thought about the razor laying or not laying flat. The few razors I have honed myself I've used an X stroke but always assumed being able to just go back and forth would be easier. Makes sense now.
4" or longer
1" or wider
Once those are met, I go by cost per sq inch. I seem to remember the 150x40mm stones being the best value from ardennes. Bouts are clearly the way to go from SuperiorShave (he gives GREAT detail on his bouts). And on eBay vintages, ~7x1.5-2" are the best deals because about 50% of vintage cotis were that size, so they are common.
1" or wider
Once those are met, I go by cost per sq inch. I seem to remember the 150x40mm stones being the best value from ardennes. Bouts are clearly the way to go from SuperiorShave (he gives GREAT detail on his bouts). And on eBay vintages, ~7x1.5-2" are the best deals because about 50% of vintage cotis were that size, so they are common.
6" x 2" is a good size, but you may get more for your money from a bout. I have two bouts, a size 8 and a size 10. I find the size 10 is a little easier to use. But, as noted above length is a help in overall job speed.
I would go for something 1 1/2" (~40mm) or wider. I also use narrow hones, but I learned the strokes on hones wider than 1" before tackling a job with a 1" hone. The ability to "balance" the razor on a 1" hone, IMHO, complicates the initial learning of the strokes.
Have fun!
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Do you a strain in mind you are looking for?
- Thread starter
- #11
quite honestly, no. I didn't know if or how that really made a difference.
Also, after checking Ardennes is it recommended to go with a "Selected" coticule over a "Standard"? Or there again does it matter.
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Selected is a matter of visual supremacy. As far as a standard coticle and a selected coticle of the identicle strain. They both will provide the identical finish.
- Thread starter
- #13
From what I saw on Ardennes site, they don't seem to break it down by strain. On Bart's site they give more information as they seem to concentrate on just one stone where Ardennes seems to be just general information.
I have been trying to think who has Coticule close for you. The weak dollar against the euro is a killer. Fendrihans carries coticles. Ask them for a picture of the coticule you would be getting if you order from them.
My understanding is that they may be able meet a request for a particular vein, though if you are fussy about a particular one, it seems that you might need to be patient.
I can say that Ardennes has an incredible reputation for great customer service.
I can say that Ardennes has an incredible reputation for great customer service.
True. As long as you ask for a great finisher and not a Les Latneuse which is a great finisher but being a little too specific you should be fine. Just tell them the type of service the coticle is to be used for. I have ordered from Jim at VintageBlades who was very accommodating and Joel at Thesuperiorshave.com who is very knowledgable and helpful also as well as great prices and Harold at theinvisibleedge.com who though a slower in response is also dedicated to your satisfaction. I have not ordered direct from Ardennes.
i just honed a razor or two on my 100x30 la verte from my mate dennis. i did dilucot and it was slendid. you realy don't need any thing wider than 40mm and longer than 150 mm. i have two 200x60 i'm thinking of chopping them down.
gary
gary
You could probably sell the 200x60 for 3 100x30.
Yeah, but you could probably cut it into 4
The thought of cutting a perfectly good natural stone that doesn't have any flaws is just not something I personally would do. Is it wrong? No the owner can do whatever they like but as for me ....I would just buy another...lol
