antique norton 3-way stone

C

captn-tin

Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
10
hello, and Happy New Year from a new member and 1st time poster.

trying to find an approx date and value of a NORTON ABRASIVES MULTI-OILSTONE . the case for this stone is cast iron, oil bath. label says us pat no 1,946,968, no IM-313. made in USA. BEHR MANNING TROY, NY> USA (division of norton company). course, medium, and fine stones. overall length is about 18", and the stones are 11.5". color of case is green. thinkin it is proabably from the 1930s.
i am a retired butcher of 40 years, and the only 3-way stones i ever used were either bakalite, or plastic cased. no plans on selling it, just curious about age and value. Thanx in advance for any info....captn-tin
 
I think Dave Martin has one of these. Built like a brick outhouse. Uses regular stones. No reason not to use it. No idea on value, but registered users are not supposed to make such inquiries.
 
Tin, Welcome. What a find. I searched for years before finding one of those. The stones in mine were wore out but the box is in good enough condition to refinish. Yes, I know the item you describe. It is indeed a early Norton, IM313 Tri-Hone. I think you may be somewhat generous on the date though. I was able to question the original owner of mine and he put the date at the early 50's. I don't have a photo of this but I do have a photo of the model which came after it and before the black bakalite you mention. It was a tool box looking, metal box with hinged lid and held the same 3 stones in that with a oil bath reservoir. From the late 70's or 1980. Of course I refinished the box and ordered new stones. These 313's are to me one of the finest sharpening systems designed. Haa, did you guess I'm a meat cutter as well? Now, Inspector. DM
 
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Thanks, Tiguy. You are correct as usual on both points. I
was not going to give Tin a value statement as I'm familiar with Forum rules on giving value of knives or other items. Tin, Happy New Year as well. I still have all my fingers and use a Kevlar glove. DM
 
fun story... found this stone bout 8 years ago at a garage sale. lady was asking $10.00 and i got it for $7. for an extra $3, she thru in 5 new string rings(remember those DM?), an old unopened 1 quart can of norton stone oil, and a ham bone scraper tool. i showed the stone to an old guy that i served my apprenticeship under, and he said he had one similar to mine in his shop in the 40s. i notice that yours DM, has a hinged cover. mine is just a take off cover. just taking a guess, i think my cast iron stone must weigh 20 - 30 lbs. ha! thanks again for the info.... captn-tin
 
Yes, I remember the rings... Yes, the box you ask about it's lid was not hinged, it was merely removed as you state. The hinged lid came later. The 1940's could likely be a accurate date for that box as memories get cloudy. I'll not argue this point as we both know they are OLD. It is a item which only guys like us are interested in. Containing much history in the meat cutting industry. My Grandfather instructed me as a lad saying; learn to cut meat son, as they will always be needed. Haa, now days meat cutters no longer know how to break beef.?? Or sharpen their knives.?? :confused: DM
 
I started cuttin in '63, and we were still breaking beef, and using bull meat in our ground beef. I still work once in awhile, during holidays or if someone unexpectedly calls in sick(fish are bitin). Matter o fact I'm working tomorrow and just got through using my Norton stone. Good talkin with ya..... captn-tin
 
I assure you the pleasure of discussing your find was all mine. Perhaps if you get some photos of you IM313 send them along, I'd like to see them. Thank you, DM
 
Captn, Do you think you can get your meat cutting knives sharp enough on a fine India? The final, reddish stone on the IM313. DM
 
Thats the only stone I use on my steak knife (12" Forchner-granton blade). Med stone for boning and chop knife followed with fine stone. Didn't know till now that the fine stone wes an India. Rarely use course. C-T
 
Yep, that's the way most cutters prepared for the next day. One could tell the steer or cow's age by how quickly it dulled the knife. Haa, DM
 
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