That swishing sound on a coticule

**BakerAndBadger** · 07-28-2012, 02:41 AM

I've recently found the key to honing my razors on my coti and one of my yardsticks is the audible feedback I get when the blade is really getting there, it's like a swishing sound. Does anyone else notice or use this as a gauge to see if they are doing things right?

**Doc226** · 07-28-2012, 03:03 AM

I pay more attention to the fluid in front of the stone, but sound does come in to play as well.

With my JNAT I know its getting there when the sucking action of the blade to the stone is there.

**Legion** · 07-28-2012, 03:28 AM

SWISHING SOUND???? FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING, YOU ARE WRECKING YOUR STONE AND RAZOR!!!

Seriously, the sound of a coti is as individual as its colour, speed, and everything else. If you have detected a certain sound on yours that indicates good things are happening, full marks. That is great, and will be a big help to you. Don't expect your next hone to work quite the same way, though. It might, but they are all unique little snowflakes.

**danjared** · 07-28-2012, 11:33 AM

Actually, I notice a slight abrasive sound when using water when I'm close to being done. Sometimes it's barely noticeable. Other times it's quite noticeable. I try to pay attention to that in addition to the change in the feel of the steel on the hone and the way the water behaves on the surface. I also like it to be quiet where I'm honing, which may contribute to hearing the sound of the steel on the hone. Now, certain other sounds are very bad. Hopefully you can tell the difference.

**smalltank** · 07-28-2012, 11:51 AM

I love it when the toes of my razors have that "zinging" sound as I go to the end of my coti's edge..lol

**paco664** · 07-28-2012, 12:06 PM

I go by feel....

**BakerAndBadger** · 07-28-2012, 01:40 PM

Originally Posted by danjared

Actually, I notice a slight abrasive sound when using water when I'm close to being done. Sometimes it's barely noticeable. Other times it's quite noticeable. I try to pay attention to that in addition to the change in the feel of the steel on the hone and the way the water behaves on the surface. I also like it to be quiet where I'm honing, which may contribute to hearing the sound of the steel on the hone. Now, certain other sounds are very bad. Hopefully you can tell the difference.

i agree 100%, quiet is essential for me. Otherwise how would I hear the edge scraping when I'm lifting the spine !

**dakotaev** · 07-28-2012, 06:27 PM

Audible queues on natural stones definitely help identify when its time to either dilute or move to the next stone. I have two coticules (and a third which I'm just learning) that both have very distinct feedback both feel and sound. And actually when razors are almost ready on my JNAT they always become very sticky some times have a loud high pitched squeak but not always.

**life2short1971** · 07-29-2012, 04:06 PM

I use the audible sounds to help me know if I am keeping everything even.I like the sounds I hear to equal in each direction.

**O.G.** · 07-30-2012, 06:49 AM

I also pay attention to the undercut on the coti to let me know that I'm getting there. The undercut comes after a few dilution, at times there are sounds but when that liquid rides up that edge I just know it's there. Good luck.

**BakerAndBadger** · 07-30-2012, 07:58 AM

Had an interesting suction experience last night...... and no, it was with my coti, some sunflower oil and a GD! First real suction I've had but it was only on the away leg of the X, guess that the bevel might be slightly one sided based on my stroke - still it gave a nice shave.