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Belgian Razor Hones

I’m very pleased to say that we are now stocking the World-famous Belgian Ardenne Coticule whetstone, manufactured in Lierneux & Vielsalm, Belgium. This is in direct response to feedback from customers who wish to take the care of their straight razors past the stropping stage and into maintenance honing - undertaken when the stropping action is unable to return the razor’s edge to a state of shave-readiness. These whetstones are ideal for this purpose. Made from selected yellow coticule, they are called ‘bouts’ - irregularly-shaped pieces of stone that are less expensive than the perfect ly rectangular stones, yet ideal for the individual who is taking care of one or two (or six or seven!) personal razors in their ‘rotation’. Unlike normal ‘bouts’ - that may even be triangular in shape - these are specially selected pieces chosen for straight razor use - as the photos show.  Presented in an attractive beech box with hard foam liner that is individually tailored to the stone it holds, these Belgian whetstones represent fantastic value for money and should last a lifetime. NB - these bouts are sold by area, (not L x W) and this is between 58  -70cm².

Important note: these stones are bonded to a layer of black schist in order to add strength and durability. Only the ‘yellow’ side is to be used for razor honing - using the black stone could result in damage to the razor’s edge so, again - please don’t use it!

Each stone is supplied with a ‘slurry stone’, which is used to start off the all-important fine slurry that is the secret to the high performance and great edge-producing capabilities of these remarkable whetstones. The yellow coticule needs no pre-soaking - simply wet with water (do NOT use oil!), rub with the slurry stone and you’re ready to hone. When done, simply rinse the stone, dry off (or even leave to air dry) and put away for next time!

‘Bout’ stones can vary in shape a great deal but, as has been said, all stones in this product category are specially selected for use as razor hones. Too, colour can vary from a quite noticeable yellow to cream and some even have pink or greenish casts to them. All are equally able to produce the finish required for a straight razor, however, and all are ‘selected’ class, meaning far less ‘inclusions’ and a much more regular-looking surface to the whetstone.

Each ‘bout’ is supplied in a quality beechwood box and has a hard foam liner to protect both coticule and slurry stone. These liners are cut out to correspond exactly to the shape of the stones they contain, thus reducing the risk of damage and chipping when moved around. As can be seen from the photo, stones do differ in overall shape but all are genuine yellow coticule and perfect for restoring your razors’ edge.

In use, the Belgian coticule is hard to beat. For those new to maintenance honing it gives plenty of ‘feedback’ as to how the edge is shaping up, whilst the experienced user will appreciate the speed at which the whetstone cuts. With approx. 40% garnet content - the cutting power of the stone - the coticule gives superb results quickly. It’s a great ‘finishing’  stone for razors as it gives  a very smooth edge combined with speed of cutting..

NB - It’s our intention to extend our range of Belgian razor hones so do bookmark this page and keep a watch out for additional products coming soon!

Belgian yellow coticule stones seem expensive - until you think that you will, in all probability, never need to buy another. They are extremely hard-wearing and, with a little care, should literally last a lifetime when used properly. When viewed in this context, I think you will agree that they not only represent great value for money, but are a great investment!

All hones come in their own fitted box and will be sent in the UK by Royal Mail Special Delivery next working day service. For Airmail customers, Airsure or International Signed For service is used. Both services are trackable and carry full insurance against loss.

£66.00

Kingdom

£73.00

£78.00

£80.00

Yellow Coticule ‘Bouts’

Belgian Blue Whetstone

We don’t stock the full range of Belgian Blue whetstone by any means so for any sizes not in our own stock the table below can be used to order your ‘BBW’ direct from manufacturer, using our secure PayPal shopping cart system, and which will then be shipped by registered airmail direct to your door!

What is a ‘BBW’?

A Belgian Blue Waterstone is a hone with approx. 30% garnet content, as opposed to the coticule’s 40%. Like the Coticule above, it works by releasing microscopic  garnets -far harder than steel -  that are carried in the ‘slurry’ that builds up on the stone surface in use. This slurry is actually made up of a mixture of hard, fine clay (the body constituent of the stone) and garnets.  

This stone, because it is non-porous, cannot clog or become glazed.The obtuse facet edges of the round and oval garnets  abrade the steel without the gouging that is common with more acutely angled abrasives. This leaves the steel with a much smoother polish and a noticeably finer edge.

This combination of speed and fine finish is unique. I find it a great hone to use and a very fine edge can be obtained by using progressively lighter pressure on the stroke. It has a distinctively different ‘feel’  and does cut rather more slowly than the yellow Coticule but gives an equally good finish and is an ideal stone for newcomers, as the slower cutting cuts the risk of over-honing. I use them a lot!

     Left: my own 200 x 75 mm. Belgian Blue Whetstone in use.

Sizes currently in stock - more coming soon!

Supplied unboxed this ‘BBW’ hone measures 100 x 50 mm and is a nice ‘pocket’ size. Very useful for ‘on the spot’ honing of razor edges - keep one in the bathroom for touch-ups when needed! Also great for small tools such as chisels and small plane irons etc.!

Please note - razor for illustration only, not supplied with hone!

£20.38

Kingdom

£24.38

£26.78

£27.18

Supplied in a handsome beech box as shown, the hone pictured measures 200 x 60 mm and is suitable for razor honing and plane irons, chisels and knives. Unlike the bouts above the hone is closely fitted to its box, which gives handy storage and added protection when not in use.

Sizes currently available: 150 x 40 mm (not pictured but boxed as shown below) and the 200 x 60 mm described above.

All hones are shipped with appropriate compensation levels  against breakage and loss.

£57.19

Kingdom

£61.19

£66.59

£66.89

£31.50

Kingdom

£35.50

£37.90

£38.30

Prices below are for the boxed 150 x 40 mm hone.

Prices below are for the boxed 200 x 60 mm hone.

Looking for a gift - but not sure what to go for? Why not give a gift voucher instead?

Prices to the right are for the new  boxed 200 x 75 mm hone as seen above.

£75.82

Kingdom

£79.82

£85.22

£85.52

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£3.70

Kingdom

£4.20

£5.00

£5.20

Belgian Blue slurry stone - for use with all Belgian Blue stones. Use to create a starting slurry upon the stone - speeds up the honing process! Approx 4 x 2 x 2 cm. - sizes do vary slightly

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