Norton Abrasives VS-1 Safety Blade Hone, about 1935

Here's a handy little thing. It's a safety razor blade hone, made by Norton Abrasives. It includes the original box and instructions. On the face, it has a V shaped groove for double edge razor blades. The instructions say you can also use the flat back side for straight razors. That would likely also work for wedge or single edge blades. 

There is mild discoloration on the face and some chipping around the edges. However, the sharpening surfaces feel smooth to the touch. I think it should still work perfectly. 

The Norton Abrasives company was formed in the late 1800's to create a new type of ceramic/emery hybrid sharpening stone. Around 1935 they acquired the Behr-Manning company, so that's where we get the date. Around this time, they had also shifted away from emery and moved to an aluminum alloy based product. 

You should be able to use this to sharpen your vintage razor blades or straight razors. In any case, it's a neat collectible piece of shaving history.