Purely personal preference. The Coticule is a classic stone that is also very versatile. It produces nice results as do other choices. I normally do not use it for bevel setting particularly on heavily worn razors as it can take forever to get the bevel set with the heaviest of slurries.
I had a great shave today with a Swedish vintage razor after refreshing the edge with a coticole, light slurry, then just water finished with o.5 um Crox, then stropped. I'm just beginning to learn refreshing using coticoles & 12K Naniwa. Thanks for all your videos.
I like your pyramid video. I used that technique on my TI and love it. I think one of these stones is going to be next for me. Thanks for everything, Lynn.
you all probably dont give a shit but does any of you know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly lost my password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me
@Marshall Damon I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
thanks great video, im new to honing and bought a 5k naniwa thinking it would bring the razor up to an acceptable level. unfortunately it passes the arm hair test but not the hanging hair one. ordered one of these today for about 100 euro so looking forward to trying it out. god bless
Hey Lynn. I just successfully honed a razor I bought from your store for the first time using a coticole stone. I was reading your forum prior to this and wanted to buy both a 4000 and 8000 Naniwa super stones but could only find the 8000 in stock. So i bought the 8000 and a coticole at another persons suggestion. Now I am just trying to figure out what the hell I an going to use the super stone for since the Coticole one stone method works so good.
Lynn, first off I love the SpongeBob mat you are honing on. Secondly I noticed your coticule is massive lol! I have a 5 1/2 by 1 1/2 coti. How would the stroke count differ? I use a water stone as a bevel setter but have been following another method with countless more strokes. Your method seems simple and effective. How do you get your slurry to stay on the stone? I find mine is always flying off when I do X strokes or even circles. Great video BTW.
Thanks Scott, I would try to use the same stroke count and see what happens. You can increase the stroke count a few at a time and see if you can get to something that will work consistently for you. With the smaller stone, you may be pushing the slurry off more. Try to shorten your strokes just a bit and see if that helps. Also, remember that I set my bevel usually on a 1K before using this method. Best of luck!
Nice video, and really well explained. Quick Question, I read that to put the black tape on the spine and honing until you reach the final stage where using only water. But every time I see a video, no one uses the tape. Not using the tape, will that create hone wear over time? Is there an advantage/disadvantage using the tape or does it boil down to personal preference?
Lynn, I was walking around an antique store and ran into a 1930's "Dry honing" Stone. I came with a rectangular stone and another rough round stone. could this be a coticule stone or is it something else they use to use back then? Thx
Larry Narvaez I like a Naniwa Traditional 1K for setting bevels followed by Naniwa 5, 8 & 12K. For me this is the most reliable and consistent set up and affordable. Good luck.
Hi Lynn. Since I posted 6 months ago my stone collection has grown increasingly larger. I have stopped collecting and now am figuring them out. Just a couple questions here. If you've got a faster I dare say coarser coticule. What could you do differently with the coticule to obtain a shave ready edge of the above method isn't working? I've been making a secondary bevel with tape but I don't really like honing with tape unless doing heavy bevel work. The second question is about barber hones. I would like to see a video of using a barber hone to fully hone a razor after bevel set. Any tips on doing it? I just acquired a keen kutter combination and want to see if it will hone a razor bevel set up. Thanks Mr. Abrams The latter question came about after watching the section of your dvd on barber hones.
Scott Archi I have dozens of Coticules and they are all different. To me, the real key is weight of the blade pressure after going from medium slurry to finish. Another key is to really make sure on your bevels first. You might try experimenting on finishing with some of your other stones too, including your barber hone. The only barber hone I have tried this method on is a Swaty which is 7 inches long by 1 1/2 wide. From a consistency perspective, I can only get 6-7 razors out of 10 to hit on the first try. The rest need additional tinkering. I'll see what I can do on a barber hone video using this method. Keep at it and I'm sure your results will get better.
Lynn, let me get this straight... Slurry would be created by simply adding nothing but pure water?? without any added paste or any chemicals - just only water ? If i buy a Belgian Coticule is there anything i need other than the 2 stones for straight razor sharpening ?
When I use the one stone method, I use either another smaller coticule to make slurry or a generic nagura stone. I start off making slurry as thick as mud if possible and work to a thinner slurry and yet thinner and then water only. In my opinion, you can use a good 1K to set bevels and the coticule for the rest and be successful.
Peter Koning Actually for me, the slurry stone would dish the Coticule periodically and then I would use a flattening stone to remove the dish. With just using the Coticule for personal honing, it would not have to be reflattened often in my opinion.
Will using this method damage the health of the stone? I'm new to the straight razor world, but not to the world of knives- yet certainly new to picking out stones myself! If not this particular one, any tips on finding a good cheap stone for use with one's personal straight razor? I was intent on getting an ILR but was heavily misinformed about the price. Everyone I spoke to told me the old price. Not the current one where it's 3x as much in price. Thanks for Reading & Any Advice!
Belgian Blue stones and Coticule stones are pretty expensive, but using a slurry doesn't damage them and they normally last years. A much cheaper alternative is slate - it puts a beautiful edge on a straight razor for a fraction of the cost of a coticule.
I normally set the bevels with a Naniwa Chosera 1k stone prior to using this method. You can set the bevel with the heavy slurry, but it can take a while to get it right. I usually start with the heavy slurry after the bevel is set and end up with very nice results. Not as consistent or reliable as some other stones, but still a good method of getting your razor shavable in my experience.
I think you can use either. 7-10 weight of blade strokes on the 12K or 10 weight of the blade strokes on the coticule with a light slurry followed by 10 on just water. Have fun.
Hi Lynn, You are a expert in honing. What do you prefer, a natural or synthetic stone. Wich one give the best result and also the fastest result. Sorry for my English I live in Belgium and speak an other language.
+Jean-Pierre Wuestenberghs Although I like honing with my natural stones, in my opinion my synthetic stones provide more reliable and consistent results. I hone razors every day almost so the reliability and consistency with excellent results is very important to me.
+Lynn Abrams but may I ask which edge off the stone do you prefer? Naturals or synethics? Because I know that different stone produce different edge in both smoothness and sharpness
Hi Lynn, what's your thoughts on one stone honing with a Belgian Blue? Have you ever tried razor honing with Arkansas stones? Specifically the translucents?
+Michael Justice For me, the Belgian Blue is a pretty slow stone and inconsistent on results. It will work and YMMV. The Arkansas Stones are similar when doing the one stone method. The Translucent for me is really inconsistent. If they are working for you though, I would encourage you to keep using them.
Wow! Thanks for the quick reply! I have all the Arkansas stones and that's what I'm familiar with...but I'm not getting an executable shaving edge off them. I've read some stuff about the Belgian Blue working just as well as the Yellow Coticule, it just takes longer. Have you tried the Zulu Grey? Sorry I'm a bit of a hone collector.
Purely personal preference. The Coticule is a classic stone that is also very versatile. It produces nice results as do other choices. I normally do not use it for bevel setting particularly on heavily worn razors as it can take forever to get the bevel set with the heaviest of slurries.
Thanks from the future. Just learning what I can before I get mine in the mail in a week or two.
thank you very much! greetings from Athens, Greece!
I had a great shave today with a Swedish vintage razor after refreshing the edge with a coticole, light slurry, then just water finished with o.5 um Crox, then stropped. I'm just beginning to learn refreshing using coticoles & 12K Naniwa. Thanks for all your videos.
Great tutorial, thanks. I use half strokes rather than circle. The slurry consistence keeps with older European methods, I prefer your method .
Superb video, thanks for making it
coticules are fantastic stones,,essentially a one stone system IMO. regards dapper shaves
Nice stone! Looks vintage
I like your pyramid video. I used that technique on my TI and love it. I think one of these stones is going to be next for me. Thanks for everything, Lynn.
you all probably dont give a shit but does any of you know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account..?
I stupidly lost my password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me
@Cullen Luka Instablaster ;)
@Marshall Damon I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff atm.
Takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Marshall Damon it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D
Thanks so much you saved my ass !
@Cullen Luka No problem =)
Thank you for these videos. Very helpful
thanks great video, im new to honing and bought a 5k naniwa thinking it would bring the razor up to an acceptable level. unfortunately it passes the arm hair test but not the hanging hair one. ordered one of these today for about 100 euro so looking forward to trying it out. god bless
Hey Lynn. I just successfully honed a razor I bought from your store for the first time using a coticole stone. I was reading your forum prior to this and wanted to buy both a 4000 and 8000 Naniwa super stones but could only find the 8000 in stock. So i bought the 8000 and a coticole at another persons suggestion. Now I am just trying to figure out what the hell I an going to use the super stone for since the Coticole one stone method works so good.
Lynn, first off I love the SpongeBob mat you are honing on. Secondly I noticed your coticule is massive lol! I have a 5 1/2 by 1 1/2 coti. How would the stroke count differ? I use a water stone as a bevel setter but have been following another method with countless more strokes. Your method seems simple and effective. How do you get your slurry to stay on the stone? I find mine is always flying off when I do X strokes or even circles. Great video BTW.
Thanks Scott, I would try to use the same stroke count and see what happens. You can increase the stroke count a few at a time and see if you can get to something that will work consistently for you. With the smaller stone, you may be pushing the slurry off more. Try to shorten your strokes just a bit and see if that helps. Also, remember that I set my bevel usually on a 1K before using this method. Best of luck!
Thank you, sir!
Thanks very good
Your videos are awesome - subscribed and a fan - thank you!
Shouldn't you tape the razor's spine to stop wear on it, and over time c (if no tape) changing your razor's angel?
To me, tape is a personal preference unless you’re removing a lot of metal like for a repair.
the edge/bevel and spine should wear to maintain proper bevel angle. regards dapper shaves
Great tutorial! Tanks! .'.
a real pro here no doubt
nice coticule... very big.. impressive
Nice video, and really well explained.
Quick Question, I read that to put the black tape on the spine and honing until you reach the final stage where using only water. But every time I see a video, no one uses the tape. Not using the tape, will that create hone wear over time? Is there an advantage/disadvantage using the tape or does it boil down to personal preference?
Lynn, I was walking around an antique store and ran into a 1930's "Dry honing" Stone. I came with a rectangular stone and another rough round stone. could this be a coticule stone or is it something else they use to use back then? Thx
Hey Lynn, I'm new to this, what stones do you recommend for honing, sharpening and maintaining a razor that are practical and affordable? Thanks.
Larry Narvaez I like a Naniwa Traditional 1K for setting bevels followed by Naniwa 5, 8 & 12K. For me this is the most reliable and consistent set up and affordable. Good luck.
Is there any particular reason you would use this method over other methods to sharpen a razor? i.e. different metals, bevels, Styles?
Good day to you sir, is it coticule "selected" from Ardennes? some that its not good stone for razor finish. Thank you.
Lot of opinions out there. It is a Select Coticule and they work fine. Not as consistent as some other stones but can get the job done well.
Yes it can.
Hi Lynn. Since I posted 6 months ago my stone collection has grown increasingly larger. I have stopped collecting and now am figuring them out. Just a couple questions here.
If you've got a faster I dare say coarser coticule. What could you do differently with the coticule to obtain a shave ready edge of the above method isn't working?
I've been making a secondary bevel with tape but I don't really like honing with tape unless doing heavy bevel work.
The second question is about barber hones. I would like to see a video of using a barber hone to fully hone a razor after bevel set. Any tips on doing it?
I just acquired a keen kutter combination and want to see if it will hone a razor bevel set up.
Thanks Mr. Abrams
The latter question came about after watching the section of your dvd on barber hones.
Scott Archi I have dozens of Coticules and they are all different. To me, the real key is weight of the blade pressure after going from medium slurry to finish. Another key is to really make sure on your bevels first. You might try experimenting on finishing with some of your other stones too, including your barber hone. The only barber hone I have tried this method on is a Swaty which is 7 inches long by 1 1/2 wide. From a consistency perspective, I can only get 6-7 razors out of 10 to hit on the first try. The rest need additional tinkering. I'll see what I can do on a barber hone video using this method. Keep at it and I'm sure your results will get better.
Lynn, let me get this straight... Slurry would be created by simply adding nothing but pure water?? without any added paste or any chemicals - just only water ? If i buy a Belgian Coticule is there anything i need other than the 2 stones for straight razor sharpening ?
When I use the one stone method, I use either another smaller coticule to make slurry or a generic nagura stone. I start off making slurry as thick as mud if possible and work to a thinner slurry and yet thinner and then water only. In my opinion, you can use a good 1K to set bevels and the coticule for the rest and be successful.
Lynn do you recumbent to put tape on the spine ?
Hey Lynn,
How much pressure are you using for your initial circles? Fairly firm pressure or still just weight of the blade?
Hi Sam, firm pressure to start but not so firm as to flex the blade and create a natural double bevel.
I am wondering isn't making the slurry on the coticule unflatten the stone?
Peter Koning Actually for me, the slurry stone would dish the Coticule periodically and then I would use a flattening stone to remove the dish. With just using the Coticule for personal honing, it would not have to be reflattened often in my opinion.
Will using this method damage the health of the stone? I'm new to the straight razor world, but not to the world of knives- yet certainly new to picking out stones myself!
If not this particular one, any tips on finding a good cheap stone for use with one's personal straight razor? I was intent on getting an ILR but was heavily misinformed about the price. Everyone I spoke to told me the old price. Not the current one where it's 3x as much in price.
Thanks for Reading & Any Advice!
Belgian Blue stones and Coticule stones are pretty expensive, but using a slurry doesn't damage them and they normally last years. A much cheaper alternative is slate - it puts a beautiful edge on a straight razor for a fraction of the cost of a coticule.
Is there any advantage of building the slurry in a small portion of the stone?
that's what I thought too, I suspect that will actually gouge out that spot and make the hone not flat?
so were you setting the bevel in the beginning with the heavy slurry?
I normally set the bevels with a Naniwa Chosera 1k stone prior to using this method. You can set the bevel with the heavy slurry, but it can take a while to get it right. I usually start with the heavy slurry after the bevel is set and end up with very nice results. Not as consistent or reliable as some other stones, but still a good method of getting your razor shavable in my experience.
Hi Lynn
may I ask if the same amount of strokes are applicable for stainless steel blades as well ?
George Thomas Sometimes a few extra strokes may work on the light slurry and water only stages of this process for stainless razors.
@@LynnSAbrams Thank you Lynn !!
For a shave-ready razor that needs some refreshing/maintenance, would you recommend the Coticule or a Naniwa 12k?
Thank you
I think you can use either. 7-10 weight of blade strokes on the 12K or 10 weight of the blade strokes on the coticule with a light slurry followed by 10 on just water. Have fun.
Lynn Abrams Thank you very much, sir
Hi Lynn,
You are a expert in honing. What do you prefer, a natural or synthetic stone. Wich one give the best result and also the fastest result. Sorry for my English I live in Belgium and speak an other language.
+Jean-Pierre Wuestenberghs Although I like honing with my natural stones, in my opinion my synthetic stones provide more reliable and consistent results. I hone razors every day almost so the reliability and consistency with excellent results is very important to me.
+Lynn Abrams Thanks Lynn for your answer.
+Lynn Abrams but may I ask which edge off the stone do you prefer? Naturals or synethics? Because I know that different stone produce different edge in both smoothness and sharpness
MasterofPlay7 At present I like the edges off the Suehiro 20K the best for sharp and smooth.
Lynn Abrams oh okay...... I thought natural is the king
Is there a need to tape the spine when honing?
Personal preference imo unless you have a lot of metal to remove. Can help if a razor has significant or uneven wear on the spine.
Hi Lynn, what's your thoughts on one stone honing with a Belgian Blue? Have you ever tried razor honing with Arkansas stones? Specifically the translucents?
+Michael Justice For me, the Belgian Blue is a pretty slow stone and inconsistent on results. It will work and YMMV. The Arkansas Stones are similar when doing the one stone method. The Translucent for me is really inconsistent. If they are working for you though, I would encourage you to keep using them.
Wow! Thanks for the quick reply! I have all the Arkansas stones and that's what I'm familiar with...but I'm not getting an executable shaving edge off them. I've read some stuff about the Belgian Blue working just as well as the Yellow Coticule, it just takes longer. Have you tried the Zulu Grey? Sorry I'm a bit of a hone collector.
+Michael Justice I have a Zulu Grey. Not a fan of it though. Have fun.
Would this leave it with a razor edge suitable for shaving?
After a strop, yes.
Recomment I do mean
George Thomas I normally will only use tape for a repair needing a lot of metal removed or to protect a decorative spine.
Lynn Abrams Thanks a lot Lynn