Thread: Carborundum

Hi guys. I've read past posts on carborundums but still need a little clarification.

I bought two as a set for $20 today. The pictures show them to be in very good shape no chips, etc.

here's the description:



"This is for two old sharpening stones. The larger is 6" x 2" x 1" and is marked Carborundum #108 or 109. The smaller is not marked and measures 4" x 2" x 1/2". Both are in very good condition but I do not have lids for either of the wooden boxes. The smaller one is a finer grade the the larger one."

i've read the 108 can't be used for razors. Does that include bevel setting? If it's 109, same thing?

the other (smaller) doesn't have a number. Can anyone tell me based on dimensions if this is ok to use in any part of the razor honing process from bevel setting to polishing?

I am no expert here but it looks to me like you have 3 stones. 1 of those is 2 sided. Experts will come along and let you know. My guess just from looking is the top grit on the first is 200 or 500k maybe with a bottom of 1000. The little one kind of looks like a double also but hard to see really. Understand I may be made to look the fool and I am just guessing.

If there's a fool here, don't worry, it's me!!!! Still learning some basics. Trying to anyway

Well if bevel setting is what your looking to do than you probably have something there. I use a king 250/1000k for taking out chips and setting bevels. You will have to lap them first. This may help you some >>> Category:Hones - Straight Razor Place Wiki
and then there is this, look under "B">>>Category:Honing - Straight Razor Place Wiki

The Cousrse side of that Carborundum stone is a much better choice then
the norton 220 in really taking steel off something.
But remmeber it cann't be lubed with anything so you have
uncog it alot. If you really taking off the rounded edge off a axe.
cause you first shape the bevel then sharpen the edge.
Don't listen to any folks who say to put a 45 degree angle on a axe.
this makes hackets useless.
So how you clean it is simple bucket of warm water a dop of soap some type of brush with rub it with.
a old tooth brush with do the job. your course side is a little cogged in the middle.

If you dont know the grit rating try a piece of scrap steel first. Then look at the scratch pattern. If there are gouges then you will get serious microchipping. Cleaning em up on the 4k would be more time than setting the bevel on the 4k to start with.

What i like to do with the course norton oil stone that i bought at the hardwear store.
Is finish the flatting of my rock pile finds cause the fact they so easy to cog up.
So by cogging it with the grit of a dense rock it gives one a surface that's ready for use.

Do i need to lap them? If so, what should I use?

Yes lap them. Dmt 325 or 320 wet dry on glass or marbe or granite tile.

Originally Posted by bill3152

Yes lap them. Dmt 325 or 320 wet dry on glass or marbe or granite tile.

would the hardness of those old things really eat up the Dmt.
I starting flatting one of those made for sharpening up axes.
that where made nice and round it compared to water stones it takes ages.