Thread: Requested information: American Hone Co. "The World Hone"

I recently picked up what I beleive is a very unique item, but those of you who are much more knowledgable of these items may differ. Here is what it is:

• Round tin (screw top), leather banding.

Banding reads: "The World Hone"
(inside)

• Round, hand held Hone
• Small piece instruction paper
• Larger (oil/wax) instruction (pictorial) paper.

My limited research suggest that the American Hone Co. is or was a well respected honig company and the fact that this piece is so complete makes me think it is a great find and a very collectable / usable item.

Appreciate any comments, opinions on this item and a direction as to where I may find some more information (history) on it, although I feel this may be the place to find that.

Any replies truly appreciated.

Take care.

Originally Posted by UkranianPicker

My limited research suggest that the American Hone Co. is or was a well respected honig company and the fact that this piece is so complete makes me think it is a great find and a very collectable / usable item.

Appreciate any comments, opinions on this item and a direction as to where I may find some more information (history) on it,

More information about the American Hone Company can be found in this thread.

Nice find!

I like how it says "the sense of touch enabling the operator to equalize the pressure of the blade at all positions" cause that is exactly why I like to hold my hones except for my nortons since they are alot bigger and heavier. If you test it out please let us know how it works. Very interesting looking hone.

Appreciate the replies. As for "testing", I'm not a true "honer" (not sure if that is a word), but may test it out on a few knifes I have......would using a knife on this hone damage it? Again, thanks for the replies and "Yes", I think it was a great find. I purchased a box of vintage models (plastic car models) and found this in the bottom of one. The search - find is a blast.

Originally Posted by UkranianPicker

Appreciate the replies. As for "testing", I'm not a true "honer" (not sure if that is a word), but may test it out on a few knifes I have......would using a knife on this hone damage it?

They are usually very hard. If you were to go to it with a knife I would suggest little or no pressure (weight of the blade) and water as a vehicle to prevent particles of steel embedding in the surface. I say this since I don't 'know' the hone and that will be a safe way to go to it to avoid any possible damage.

I see. Allow me to ask; when you mention "damage", are you referencing damage to the Hone itself or the item being sharpened (kinife)?

Originally Posted by UkranianPicker

I see. Allow me to ask; when you mention "damage", are you referencing damage to the Hone itself or the item being sharpened (kinife)?

Shouldn't be any damage to either if you know how to hone. If someone is using too much pressure ..... a lot of pressure ..... they might damage both. As I say, these barber hones are usually very hard but in the wrong hands .... Also, very old barber hones will sometimes dry out and sort of crumble when used. Some guys lap .... or flatten barber hones. I used to but after awhile I only wash them , if they need it, with a nylon bristle brush and soap.

The old barbers I knew in the 1980s never worried about flattening hones. Especially barber hones. If it is really out of flat I would flatten/lap it but if it is not bad I would use it as is. I think the surface from the factory lends itself to better performance. Lapping changes the finish on the surface. I could be wrong, I was wrong once before .

Very good. This "honing" is a little bit more complicated that one would think. You guys are truly "experts" when it comes to information, the Do's and Don'ts, appreciate all the help

The instruction sheet is printed with Olean, New York. That dates it as prior to 1954. In 1954 the company was sold to the owners of Perfecto Products in Moravia, Iowa. Due to the unusual shape it is most likely a resin bonded hone and very hard. Sorry, I cannot estimate its grit.

Very good, some very useful information, many thanks.