Thread: Beginners Tips: November 2014

Originally Posted by MikeB52

Not to derail the thread, but thinking I still qualify as a beginner I gotta ask. By magic stone you mean personal mojo right?. I was lucky enough to win a Belgian coti at the shave GTG last summer from Phil at the Classic Edge. Not quite as brownish on the fine side as yours John, but a lovely 6x2 with coti slurry stone. Thing is, I never stop on just that, I always move to either Charnely or Zulu to finish. Presuming they are finer. Maybe I'll try to shave just off the water diluted coti. Magic in dem garnets perhaps I'm missing..
Again, great write up on the stones for us beginners.
Cheers.

I normally do a little 2 micron CBN slurry on some balsa or felt straight off the coticule, then some stropping and im good to go.

Cotis can be great and versatile stones, no doubt. Jnats can also be good finishers. But I tend to agree with Hirlau that for a beginner wanting a touch-up hone a synthetic makes a lot of sense over a natural. They just remove a potential variable from the equation initially, much like sending your first razor out to be honed does.

James.

Very well said John, a memorable presentation for the members. : )

John,

Good show on your piece. As a novelist and freelance writer, I look beyond content. Your comments were carefully thought out and stated. The writing was organized, and good. I think this little essay will help newbies considerably. Thank you for taking the time and writing.

Great thread John.
The consistency & repeatability of the man made stones makes them a no-brainer for new honers not wanting to spend crazy money on naturals which often require a bigger learning curve.

I'm confused John, I thought you used Avon Glass hones? Thanks for the write up and pic's