139.99
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This is a Belgian yellow coticule razor hone, with slurry stone.
Some information and brief history:
There are two types of Belgian sharpening stones, the newly discovered "Belgian Blue" which is equivalent to 4000 to 6000 grit, and the better finer grit finishing stone, the famously well known "Yellow Coticule" which is of 8000 to 10000 grit. Reputed by some to be the best finishing hone. The yellow sharpening stone, "Ardennes Coticule", is available only in thin layers, and therefore is usually glued to a slate base, as this one is. It is sometimes odd-shaped to make use of all the pieces mined from the quarry. Proposed by many, there has never been a better sharpening stone. You will own it for life. The extraction and production of the coticule in the Belgian Ardennes dates back to the 17th century. It is a sedimentary rock formed over 480 million years, consisting of grey-yellowish volcanic ash and clay containing hard garnet crystals. The coticules are rooted in history and were recorded by Pliny the Younger when the Roman army stopped there for stones on the way to taking London for the tin mines in the Bronze Age. The coticule has been the choice of barbers for hundreds of years for honing straight razors. Natural coticule stones are not as abundant as they once were, but a single quarry is still in operation in Belgium today, hand producing these natural sharpening stones. The only honing lubricant used on coticules is water. A slurry method can be used, or not, depending on one's preference. This coticule comes with a coticule slurry stone, (seen in the photos). Without a slurry water is still used to puddle on top of the surface. A dry or oiled surface is not to be used on coticule stones. This coticule stone is in superb chip and blemish free condition. Its honing surface has been lapped to insure perfect flatness. This coticule measures 6" long by 1-1/2" wide by 5/8" thick.
