The Tytex Carbo Hone No. 42 is a vintage sharpening stone manufactured by the American Hone Company of Moravia, Iowa. It was primarily designed for barbers and daily shavers to maintain the fine, precise edge on straight razors and early safety razor blades.(Etsy+2)
Context
These hones were widely produced from the early to mid-20th century (roughly the 1910s to 1940s) when straight razors were the daily standard for shaving.(Google)
The American Hone Company in Moravia, Iowa, produced various honing stones under the "Carbo" name (short for carborundum, a highly abrasive synthetic material).
Collection
Esther Deveaux
Cataloged By
Bryant, Sherry Anne
Dimensions
Width
2 in
Depth
1/2 in
Length
4 in
Material
Carborundum stone, cardboard box
Condition
Overall Condition
hone is excellent, box is water stained
Date Examined
Jun 17, 2026
Examined By
Bryant, Sherry Anne
General Notes
Note
Designed to be used either dry or with a lightweight honing oil/water, the stone was employed to remove microscopic nicks and burrs from carbon steel straight razor blades. It required a light touch, utilizing just the weight of the razor blade itself in a diagonal "X-pattern" stroke.(Etsy+3))
The No. 42 model is a small pocket-sized or palm-sized abrasive stone. Users typically ran their razor across the hone using a diagonal X-pattern to realign microscopic metal burrs and polish the blade for a smooth shave.(cremocompany.com)