Thread: American Hone Company.....

Originally Posted by Utopian

Now I want a lapping plate that will double as a table!

Exactly, I hone in the kitchen at the sink. I was thinking that would be perfect for an eat in, hone in, lap in kitchen.

Thank you Randy for pic
what is the grit on this small lapping plate?

They used 120 grit loose abrasive grain for the lapping plate.

It is now so thin they were considering replacing it. It used to be much thicker but with 70-90 years of use it is showing its age.
From what I was told all equipment was shipped from Olean NY to Moravia IA in 1950 when the ownership of American Hone Company changed hands. At that time ALL equipment and supplies were loaded onto a train and shipped to Iowa. I assume this lapping plate was used at Olean, NY. I guess I need to find out when the AHC started in Olean NY and the founders name.

An employee was sent from Olean NY and taught them the process for a period of 4 months. That was when Lois, the hone lady, started working at AHC. She had just graduated from high school that year.

The lapping plate is just to big for my garage! I have no room left!
( breakfast table top?)

Thanks for the flashback into history past. Wasn't the Frictionite made there? I take it this was pre-OSHA? With all the regulations EPA, OSHA, Workers Comp etc you could never operate like that. What's that tell you? Made in CHINA...

If I had that plate I'd be a lapping fool!

Originally Posted by MODINE

Thanks for the flashback into history past. Wasn't the Frictionite made there? I take it this was pre-OSHA? With all the regulations EPA, OSHA, Workers Comp etc you could never operate like that. What's that tell you? Made in CHINA...

The Frictionite was made by AHC both in Olean NY and Moravia Iowa and over 100 other barber hones.
They had to stop making it, the 00 model, because the main abrasive was a natural mineral mined in Rhodesia and that company went out of business.
And , no, I do not know the name of the abrasive.

As to gov't regs. This is a small town of 700 population. I doubt that OSHA or Work Comp came by here or else they were family or friends!
It was a very dirty enviornment with abrasive dust all over the place and I saw not one ventilation/exhaust hood.

Here is a link to a lot of info on American Hone Comapny, 00 Frictionite and the lady that "knew" how to put it all together and bake it right.... 00 Frictionite Razor Hones by American Hone Co

Also, did you all know that before it was American Hone, 00 Frictionite, that the original was Dubl Duck in New York?

Originally Posted by Gibbs

Here is a link to a lot of info on American Hone Comapny, 00 Frictionite and the lady that "knew" how to put it all together and bake it right.... 00 Frictionite Razor Hones by American Hone Co

Also, did you all know that before it was American Hone, 00 Frictionite, that the original was Dubl Duck in New York?

How did DD figure into this? DD didn't manufacture things. American Hone made hones with their name on it like it did for probably hundreds of other outfits.

Yes, you are right. I stand corrected. Bresduck Dubl Duck had hones made for them by American Hone Company with their logo imprinted on the hone. Same little sticker on the side of the hone showing which side for starting and which side to finish.

Hey Randy are you bringing your table top lapping plate this weekend?? Here's a couple pics for youse guys.
MIke