Thread: Carborundum 333

Hi guys. I am lost and finding my way through, but today I made an impulse purchase at an antique store. I bought a vintage carborundum 333 combo stone. I paid $35 for it and was wondering how bad I got ripped off.
Its big (2.5"x12") and has its original box in good shape. Can it be used with razors, or do I need to cut my losses on ebay? Sorry, but I do not know how to load pictures, but its not cracked, split, nor does it have any chips in it.

Originally Posted by JDeviere

Hi guys. I am lost and finding my way through, but today I made an impulse purchase at an antique store. I bought a vintage carborundum 333 combo stone. I paid $35 for it and was wondering how bad I got ripped off.
Its big (2.5"x12") and has its original box in good shape. Can it be used with razors, or do I need to cut my losses on ebay? Sorry, but I do not know how to load pictures, but its not cracked, split, nor does it have any chips in it.

if i am right then i think what you get is not for straight razor's(barber hone)
Can you use it to set bevel etc answer will be yes.
All carborundum razor hones i have seen they are barber hones only 1 grit and smaller size.
Sorry but this is what i think without seeing actual stone.
hope this helps.

I am not familiar with the 333 but judging from the dimensions it is probably a tool or knife stone, but as Sham suggested it may set a good bevel and there is nothing wrong with that.

I'd really like to see your 333, since I'm still working on compiling a compendium of Carborundums. If at all possible, please try to post photos of it.


To upload an image, do the following.
Click reply to thread.
At the bottom of the message section under additional options, click the button marked "manage attachments."
A new window will open.
Click "Choose file."
Select the file that has the photo.
To repeat for another file, click another of the choose file buttons and repeat.
When you have chosen all the files you want, click the "Upload" button to the right of the "Choose File" buttons.
Now when you hit "submit reply" to post to the thread, the photos should be included in your reply.

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

All carborundum razor hones i have seen they are barber hones only 1 grit and smaller size.

The highest number Carborundum razor hone that I know of is the 201, which is in fact a two sided silicon carbide/aluminum oxide hone.

I hope this works. Apparently the "go advanced" gives option. Thanks for the advice. I am not good with computers.

Thank you for posting that.
Now, in answer to your question of "is this a razor hone?"
No.
Carborundum boxes are pretty much all labeled as either "Razor Hone" or "Sharpening Stone." As you can see, yours is the latter. That doesn't mean that you cannot use your razor on the hone. As Sham pointed out, you might be able to set a bevel on some of the coarser hones, in this case the finer side of your Carborundum. The only way to know for sure is to try it. Sometimes this will lead to chipping of the edge and then the hone should not be used. Of course, you then are going to need other hones to bring it up to shaving sharpness.

If you don't mind, I'd like to add your photos to my Carborundum index I'm working on. So far, it looks like you have the highest number so yours will be last!