Thread: New Caborundum #101

So, I'm in an antique store, whiskers on high alert as usual...

I now have a never-used Carborundum Razor Hone, by the Carborundum Co., Niagara Falls, NY.
The box is black, thick carboard, with gold lettering. Completely intact, with English instructions for razor upkeep on the lid interior and German on the box interior.

The stone is still in it's wrapping paper, sealed with a red paper seal with a golden Indian head.
I have not unwrapped it yet.

Underneath the paper, (a thin, translucent waxy paper) is a brown card on top of the stone Marked with twin symbols of some sort and the phrase "Awards For Superior Quality".

The side of the stone is marked #101.

Is this hone essentially a finishing stone? With a strop and a chromium oxide paddle, does this hone put me in the "keeping my razors smooth and sharp from now on" category? Would a brand new hone like this need lapping?

I'm sorry I can't answer your questions, but I would LOVE to see pictures...It sounds awesome.

Aw man...
I've got 102's.
I've got 103's.
I've been looking for that 6x2 101 for several years, and you find one still in the wrapper.

A lot of the Swatys are far from flat but I found all of my 102's and 103's to be pretty much flat, which is a good thing considering how much harder they are than Swaty's. Anyone who complains about how hard it is to lap a Swaty should try lapping one of those Carborundums.

That is a maintenance hone. It's all you need to keep an already sharp razor sharp for years. Depending on what you've got, it can also be your finishing hone.

I'll keep on looking for another 101.

Originally Posted by Utopian

Aw man...
I've got 102's.
I've got 103's.
I've been looking for that 6x2 101 for several years, and you find one still in the wrapper.

A lot of the Swatys are far from flat but I found all of my 102's and 103's to be pretty much flat, which is a good thing considering how much harder they are than Swaty's. Anyone who complains about how hard it is to lap a Swaty should try lapping one of those Carborundums.

That is a maintenance hone. It's all you need to keep an already sharp razor sharp for years. Depending on what you've got, it can also be your finishing hone.

I'll keep on looking for another 101.

I am always looking for a 101 as well... isn't there a 101a as well?

Yes they are freaking hard, I think lapping my little 102 dulled my DMT plate significantly.

But, it's my go to maintenance barber hone: I keep it in the bathroom cabinet for touch ups.


I think they are great hones overall, and work great as a touchup hone. Very nice edge.


I would say they are a little slow cutting and small to be used as a finisher, but I get frustrated easily.

Yes, there is a 101A as well. That one is 5x2.