Thread: Vintage Norton Hone Restoration Project

Originally Posted by cudarunner

I did some research and found this bit of info. The patent was filed in 1933 and apparently granted in 1934. I'd found the patent number on the top plate but I have no idea of how to determine when it was actually manufactured as I can't see any dates or codes. In fact parts of the stamping are just plain worn off. Oh Well.

I've contacted Sharpening Supplies asking for help dating my IM 313, I included a before and after pic. (They are going to do some research for me).

I received a response saying that they are looking to see what they can tell me.

They also complimented me on the restore and asked for more details and pics. Seems they have recently added a 'Show and Tell' to the website.

Here's the link to my 'Page':
https://www.sharpeningsupplies.com/C...-313-W221.aspx


(I have contacted Norton Saint-Gobain Abrasives and sent them pictures but haven't heard anything more from them.)

Turned out great Roy! Were those designed to hold a reservoir of oil or just catch the drippings? I wonder if the black knobs were originally coated with what they call Japan black?

Originally Posted by tintin

Turned out great Roy! Were those designed to hold a reservoir of oil or just catch the drippings? I wonder if the black knobs were originally coated with what they call Japan black?

Thanks tin. Originally they (both this vintage and the more modern plastic ones) were designed to have a reservoir of oil, however I use a squirt bottle of food grade oil (basically fancy mineral oil) and just add as I need (less chance of spilling).

I have no idea about the Japan Black, all I know is that I put a lot of effort into making sure that the surface was free from oil and was scuffed up well and when the primer and paint were dried for a couple of days it would rub off with a finger. It also came off with simple acetone soak (5 minutes).

I'm planning my ride for this summer and hopefully it'll include some time with my best friend in El Cajon CA and they have a really nice powder coating place so I may take the handles with me and ask them if they can be powder coated in black (you wouldn't believe how many 'Black' colors they have)

What are the dimensions of the stones?

Apparently they have used the same sized stones on the IM 313 since 1934 and that is 11.5" X 2.5" X 1/2".

I actually like the older system of attaching the stones to the carriage as you only deal with one stone at a time. The new ones you have to mess with two stones at the same time. I actually had to help a cutter as she'd taken a stone off to flip it over and she couldn't get the damn thing back together.

That is what I assumed.

But you know it is not good to assume!

Originally Posted by 32t

That is what I assumed.

But you know it is not good to assume!

I haven't used the word 'Assume' in conversation in about 30 years. My store manager (Jim) wanted something done but I had the next two days off so I showed the guy who would be taking my place what was needed and I wrote a note and left it on the desk.

I came back to find the task not done and before I could get it done I was called to the office and Jim asked why his request hadn't been done. I explained that I'd showed my replacement was was to be done and that I'd even left a note to remind him and I had 'assumed' that it would be done.

Jim whipped out a pen and a piece of paper, wrote something down then gave it to me. When I looked at what he'd written he made sure I understood as he said: "All assume does is make an ASS out of YOU and ME"!

From that day forward I've always use 'Presume'.

Jim died way too early. He left two girls, one in Junior High and one in High School. I always liked him as you always knew where you stood with him----You may not like knowing where that was but you always knew.

Thank you Roy, your words always resonate with me.
This "assume" story reminds me of my own progression..
As I grew/growing up, my focus on integrity, honesty, responsibility, etc., became not something to be avoided but to be embraced. These became defining characteristics of self and hold great value.

I never liked blunt, brusque people, with no filter. Now I appreciate them.

Because of something you wrote to me once, I changed something about how I deal with my son...
Now I let him know that I expect more out of him because I know he can achieve more. It's working.

Excellent restore job on that hone!
This is a great example that there are other very rewarding restores out there beyond the usual razor and brush.
Nice color choice.