Coticule is one of the finest natural sharpening stone or whetstone, used for sharpening fine blades since the roman times, extracted only from one place in the Ardennes mountains of Belgium. This „Selected Yellow Coticule” is „the stone” for straight razors, it will give you entire satisfaction, for a perfect blade. It is a one stone sharpening type, up to the finest grit (8000). The amount of water and pressure will determine coarser or finer honing. The honing stone is packaged in a fitted carton box for protection and storage. There are two qualities of yellow Coticule sold: standard and selected, this item is the selected version, a premium quality, which has no cracks and is excellent for most demanding uses, it will last a very long time if taken care of. The darker underside of the stone is made of slate, it is not for honing, it's purpose is to maintain the rigidity of the more fragile Coticule, they were glued together. Do not attempt to use it for sharpening. This stone must be used only with water, not oil, nor dry. No need to soak a long time prior to sharpening, just apply a small amount of water. After use, store it dry. As a natural stone, quarried and cut to size, there could be variations in color, which does not affect it's quality. Pictures may have slight color variation from what you receive. Instructions: 1. Place the stone with yellow side upwards on a towel or anti-slip surface. 2. Sprinkle or spray the stone with a small amount of water, be sure water is spread on the entire surface. 3. (Optional) Use another coticule stone to rub and raise a slurry on the surface. 4.Place the blade perpendicular to the stone, flat on it, cutting edge opposite to you and raise slightly at 8° angle (for straight razors keep almost flat). 5. Move forth then back with almost no pressure in a X pattern to allow whole blade to touch the stone. Repeat 10-50 times. 6. After sharpening has ended, rinse the stone with water then wipe it dry before storage.