Late birthday present: Hone Gift Certificate. What to buy?

[WilliamIam]

So, I was disappointed to find that my dad's coticule is gone, but I got a late birthday present of a gift cert to www.BestSharpeningStones.com.

I was looking around and there are only really two things that interest me.

One is the belgian coticule.
The other is the diamond "DMT dia-sharp" stones. One at 8000 (XX-fine) and one at (not sure how this is extra-fine) 1200 grit.


My main question is which is going to work better, and for longer? It looks like they'll be relatively the same ballpark price if I go 6x2 coticule or x-fine and xx-fine diamond.

I want to pick up a used razor somewhere and fully restore it. I really enjoy that sort of thing. I want something that I can use to set the bevel and to establish a final edge.
I have a cheap stone from harbor freight that I've used on my knives (has a serious groove) that could work for nicks and serious blade damage, but that's beyond what I'm looking to do. Even with the groove in that stone (which I think is maybe 1 1k/2k or 2k/4k) I've gotten my high-carbon steel fishing knife to shave hair off my arms.


So, recommendations? And justifications? I'd really appreciate it.
Happy Shaves
William

[holli4pirating]

Work better for what? They do very different things. Work longer? Either of the three should last at least the rest of your life if used properly.

A coticule can be used to set bevels and take blades to shave ready, but it takes some skill to do it well. Personally, I prefer synthetics for their speed and consistancy, so I would say get a DMT8C to lap other hones and go buy some Naniwas. Let me be very clear, that is my own preference.

Shaving arm hair is a pretty standard test to see if your bevel is set on a 1k hone.

[WilliamIam]

My mistake, the 8x2 coticule will be around the same, the 6x2 would be cheaper than the two diamond "stones".

I'm favoring the coticule, and I don't mind the learning curve, so long as I have a shave ready razor. I don't like DE razors...

Anyway, better for taking a razor from abused to shave ready.

If I get the 8k diamond hone, will I need a more coarse stone to set the bevel, etc, or can I use the 8k? If I use the 8k, will it wear it faster?

Is the 8k diamond going to produce as smooth an edge as a coticule?

Thanks for the fast response.

[WilliamIam]

One more question - is a slurry stone necessary?

[Ceron]

The DMT 8k is too fine to set the bevel on. You need to get the 1.2k as well if you're planning on restoring razors.

[Stinkis]

One more question - is a slurry stone necessary?

Yes! If you want it for more than a touch-up hone you most definatly need a slurry stone. You should check out this page.

For an easy first honing do the unicot method. I just got my first hone, a coti, yesterday and I managed to get my razor to shaveable condition in a few hours.

So, get a coticule. You won't regret it!

[WilliamIam]

Molto Bene! Okay, Coticule it is. I don't mind the learning curve.

I am going to need my daily shaver honed though, before I go learning how to hone on the new coticule.

The last question - Will an 8x2 be more satisfying than a 6x2 coticule? I'd rather buy one that will be good, even if it's 20% more now, and be happy with it. Otherwise, I may end up buying two coticules.

Maybe I'll order it tomorrow night! :D

Thanks for all the replies,
William

[holli4pirating]

Length is really a personal preference. I find that 6 x 2 is sufficient for me, especially given the price increase, but I doubt you could buy an 8 x 2 and regret it later. So, if you have the money, I'd say go big. If price is an issue, you should be happy with the 6 x 2.

[WilliamIam]

:refrains from a juvenile joke about 'length':

Sweet deal, thanks for all the replies. I ordered the 6x2 this morning. Woohoo! Includes 2-day shipping in the price. I could do with slower service for a lower price, but... oh well.

Happy Shaves,
William