Ardennes Coticule: natural sharpening stones from Belgium
The Belgian sharpening stones of Ardennes Coticule are the epitome of craftsmanship. These natural stones have been mined by hand in the Belgian Ardennes since 1625. With an exclusive manufacturing process that extracts just 1 kilo of usable sharpening stone from a tonne of slate, each Coticule stone is a piece of history. The natural character, combined with razor-sharp results, makes these stones a must-have for any knife sharpening enthusiast.

Reasons to choose Ardennes Coticule
Unique composition for optimal sharpening results
What makes Ardennes Coticule so special? The stone contains millions of tiny garnets that effortlessly sharpen your knife to razor-sharpness. These garnets ensure an effective, yet refined sharpening process. The Belgian Blue Whetstone (BBW) contains fewer garnets, but offers the same precise result. Whether you choose a fast Coticule or a slightly slower BBW, both guarantee a unique sharpening result thanks to their natural structure.
Durable, authentic and exclusive
With Ardennes Coticule, you're choosing a sharpening stone that is not only functional but also very durable. All residual products are reused, for example in the production of bricks. Each brick is unique, shaped by millions of years of natural processes. Whether you are a professional chef or knife collector, an Ardennes Coticule stone is the perfect choice for an exclusive and authentic sharpening experience.
Want to know exactly how to use the Ardennes Coticule sharpening stone? Read more about how to sharpen on a sharpening stone here.
History of Ardennes Coticule Belgian sharpening stones
The history of Ardennes Coticule dates back to 1625, deep in the Belgian Ardennes. Here they discovered unique slate layers with garnets that proved perfect for sharpening knives. Over the centuries, the reputation of these natural sharpening stones, known as the best in the world, grew. The production process has always remained small-scale and artisanal, emphasising the exclusivity of the stones.
Mining in this region focuses not only on quality, but also on sustainability: even residual products are reused. Each stone, be it a Coticule or a Belgian Blue Whetstone (BBW), tells a story of craftsmanship and tradition. With a sharpening stone from Ardennes Coticule, you don't just have a tool, but a piece of history that brings your knives to razor-sharpness with precision. It's an authentic natural product with a rich history.
Ardennes Coticule: series
Coticule
The Coticule series is special because of its natural composition. These stones contain small particles of garnets, which are released during the sharpening process and provide an exceptionally fine and sharp edge to any knife. These garnets are millions of years old and are naturally distributed through the stone, making each one unique. It is this natural distribution that makes Ardennes Coticule sharpening stones not only effective, but also exceptionally durable.
Belgian Blue
The Belgian Blue sharpening stone, known for its sturdy, fine-grit structure, offers a unique combination of power and precision. These stones are less porous than other natural stones and offer a consistent sharpening experience without the stone quickly becoming saturated with metal particles. The result is an extremely smooth finish, ideal for fine finishing and polishing your blades. With a medium grain size perfect for sharpening and maintaining a sharp edge, Belgian Blue is the choice for demanding users who value durability and effectiveness. The stones are carefully mined and processed using techniques that minimise the ecological footprint. This process not only guarantees the superior quality of each sharpening stone, but also ensures that each stone lasts a lifetime.