I’ve used the 10, 11, and 16. Ultimately I got really comfortable with the 11. It is now my favorite cleaning tool with diamond embedded dental drill bits being a close second
choice. The point of the 11 can get into tight spaces and the straight blade works well in more opens areas like the fields and on the
bust. I almost always clean on a wet or damp coin surface. I try to pull the blade or use small circular motions, but honestly I sometimes push the blade (don’t we all at times?). When I’m using a new blade I’ll
work on a less promising coin first as there is a greater risk of breaking through the
patina with a new,
sharp blade. A low angle of attack— keeping the blade as flat to the surface as possible— helps avoid those mistakes.
You’re on the right track experimenting with different
tools. Trial and error, and patience !