Thread: Carborundum hones etc

I just picked up two Carborundum hones off ebay. I haven't had time to play around with them yet, but I was wondering if anyone knew what level of coarseness they might be. One is a No. 101A and the other is a No. 102. The 102 seems very old and is extremely small - maybe 1.5"x3.5".

To the touch, these feel a little different than my other barber hones (the tilly beginner set and a Wester Bros. "Di-Fi" two sided hone. Are the Carborundums made of different materials? Would this effect the way I would lapp them? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

Jordan

Not sure of the way they worked out the courseness of these, I have 200 and use it to finish off after the Norton, it works a treat. Wouldn't be without it.

Dunk

i think i read on here that the carbo 102/103 are the lower grit hones.. 3k-6k range. not that its a perfect measure by anymeans but i've seen most grey hones are more coarse then red/yellow.


ps. stop overbidding me as i want a carbo to hone up my kitchen knives!!

I have a number of carborundum hones and they vary in grit size. Most of them are suitable as a coarse razor hone for removing nicks and some are good for establishing the bevel like a 4000 Norton. Put some tape on the spine of a razor and try each one to see the effect it has on the edge. I start with an old Ebay razor so I don't have to worry. Approx 25-50 laps will tell you what you want to know.

For lapping them use some coarse sandpaper. But be forewarned, they are some really tough hones to lap.

Originally Posted by jscott

i think i read on here that the carbo 102/103 are the lower grit hones.. 3k-6k range. not that its a perfect measure by anymeans but i've seen most grey hones are more coarse then red/yellow.


ps. stop overbidding me as i want a carbo to hone up my kitchen knives!!

Jscott - All yours for now. Go to town.

Thanks for all the info guys. I'll give these a try.

Jordan

I have enough carborundum hones to pave a path to my shop. I keep them all over the property including the mailbox I use for handy garden tools by my main vegetable garden. They get used on axes, adzes, hedge clippers, etc. Just spritz on some oil (I use Norton honing oil) and go to it. They work! Wouldn't use one on a straight razor though.

Howard

Thanks Howard!

Jordan