[Bart]

As announced, the second and final part of my friends and I, visiting "Ardennes Coticule" in May 2008.

Thanks to all for the heartwarming comments on part 1. I hope you all enjoy part 2 just as much.

Best regards,

Bart.

[joke1176]

That's a pretty cool series Bart. Sure would be fun to wander in/around the mines to find a new razor hone!

[netsurfr]

Bart -
thanks for recording this for the rest of us that may never get a chance to experience this trip to the mines. You are awesome!

[blaireau]

Bart, thanks for your accounts. The pictures are excellent. To think that the Romans wandered in these mines searching for sharpening stones as well! And probably the Gauls before them! Europe sure possesses a most wonderfully rich history. Please post some web sites to the present producer. Best regards, Rich.

[Bart]

The website of the quarry (BEWARE!!!! - online store hazard! enter at your own risk, you might want to place the credit card under you wife's custody first...)
Ardennes Coticule - Producer of the Coticule whetstone!

Some info and beautiful pictures of "Old Rock" one of the larger - now closed- mines.
http://tchorski.morkitu.org/1/coticule.htm

Site of the official coticule museum in Salmchateau (in French) with a few clickable pictures.
Musées/Expositions/Foires - Musée du Coticule - Province du Luxembourg

Site with geological information about Coticule and Pseudo-coticule ("Cresse") (in French):
http://membres.lycos.fr/minbe/coticule.html

Cheers,
Bart.

[ChrisL]

Originally Posted by blaireau

Please post some web sites to the present producer. Best regards, Rich.

Uh oh, it was only a matter of time that another rampant HADdict gets turned on to the Ardennes mine! Look out!!!

Excellent job on this report, Bart. I can't thank you enough for sharing this with us. Outstanding.


Chris L

[Joelski78]

Thansks Bart for sharing your Coticule Diaries! It was a delight to reading them.

I'm really surprised about the use of Italian slate tiles, 'l'ardoise' (french for the slate) is al over the place in Belgium.

PS: How are the found Coticules doing? Have you managed to flatten them to your desires/wishes?

[Bart]

Originally Posted by Joelski78

I'm really surprised about the use of Italian slate tiles, 'l'ardoise' (french for the slate) is al over the place in Belgium.

Think "Belgian labor costs".
During my visit, I became very apparent to me that they really focus hard on cost-effectiveness. I guess if they want to stay in business, they really don't have much choice.

Bart.

[kevint]

Great story in both volumes. Thanks for giving me a look at the source of such famous sharpening stones, their history is fascinating- that's what makes me want some of them.
I enjoy a bit of backpacking myself. I'm always trying to "hone" my equipment to balance between luxury and roughing it. What ole Nessmuk called "smoothing it". Thanks again for taking us along on your adventure!

[Bart]

Thought I'd bump this too...

[zib]

I enjoyed your post very much Bart. Thanks for sharing that with all of us....Rich