Thread: Dovo Bergischer Lowe Rust - Bad Luck!

Hello all,

I promise that I did my outmost to prevent moisture!!!

two months old straight razor... short after starting shaving I decided not to wet the blade and go for a full dry blade. I use toilet paper to take lather off the blade. I strop everyday twice, I dry using toilet paper, I take special care of the scales and on top of that I have silica bags in the case...



Result: little rust next to rubber band that led to the pictures (I took out the rubber band and surprise)!



I guess the cause was one of the very first shaves,... perhaps the rust was already there. Who knows! It is still my straight razor that I will proudly pass on to my offspring.

The rubber band... I really question the use of it. I still have not figure out what it is for but making things difficult! Like I will not pay attention to my grip holding a straight razor on my face while being half naked in a bathroom!!! Useless!!!

Question is:

How can i remove the stains and prevent further corrosion? I have seen many threads but not yet deciding what to do. I have ordered online renassaince wax and looking camelia oil in the neighborhood so I guess I will go with that. But for the best method I am clueless!!

Thanks for your help!

You are not the first and will not be the last to suffer from this stupid band they put on the Bergischer Lowe. I took mine off for exactly the reason that it attracts moisture and leads to the same problem as you experienced. In my opinion, the only reason it's there is because the gold plating is so thin that it disappears pretty quicly - I'm sure you will experience that soon as well.

It's a great pity because the blade is really good when honed properly.

You guys must be real rough on your razors.

Mine, three years old by now, still looks absolutely pristine.

As to the rubber bands, I have them on several razors.
Puma's, Filarmonica's and others, all of them are still looking like new, and with no apparent rust.

Never getting the tang wet, letting them dry completely before storage and storage in an air tight container with plenty of silica gel has helped with this.

That and living in an area of low air-humidity most of the year ...

I think the band was there to improve grip. It's not common. I have the BL and a couple Puma's too which have it. I've had no issues with mine like Birnando. Like him I'm careful to ensure dryness before putting it away. I don't think I would put a working razor away in a tightly sealed case without making real sure it's totally dry and the humidity level is real low. Tight seals and humidity are not a good combination for a razor.

These rust posts amaze me as I have never had a razor rust and all by razors are old carbon steel blades.
As above, pay attention to how you rinse your blade,is no need to get the tang or pivot area wet.
After your done shaving, rinse the blade in the hottest water that can come out of the tap (is about 140degs max) no it will not effect the temper.
wipe the blade with tissue,the blade will still be hot,set it down on a washcloth.
Rinse your brush,splash on whatever fru-fru juice you use and by that time the blade will have dried itself,strop if you must,a little mineral oil maybe,put the blade away,never an issue.

I think you should be able to clean it up with real fine emery cloth or steel wool and then polish with metal polish. I would put a drop of oil on the pivot point. After shaving and drying with a tissue give it about 8 passes on each side of the blade on the strop. Store in a place where the blade is not enclosed and can breath. I do this and have never had a rust problem or a problem with waterspots on the blade.

Damn I hate to see that. I cut the band off mine for just that reason, but apparently got careless drying and storing it one day a few weeks ago. Got a few water spots on the etching on the "show" side of the blade. Nothing serious, and since it's not going anywhere, I don't care too much, but it was sad to see my favorite razor show wear so quickly (it's less than 2 months old).

During my Trap shooting days one fellow mentioned putting Silica bags in his barrel since his basement was wet. The gun shop owner heard him and screamed NO-Do not put silica bags in your gun, in your gun safe or in your ammo boxes. In fact (he continued) you would be better off eating them. He said that the gun safe manufacturers released a long article in guns and ammo about how those things actually cause rust due to the wicking nature they have with moisture. Then once they can no longer absorb the moisture, all that extra moisture that ws pulled in and would have never been there attacks the next best thing your guns. Also the commercial sized silica packs have a warning to keep them out of containers containing oxidisable materials.

I think your silica did you wrong!

Thanks Fort for you observation on the silica bags!!!!

too much (wrong) care has resulted on this. I will keep same ritual and get rid of the bags.

Next thing I will do is take the rust away (suggestions welcome), protect the area and re-rubber the tang with vulcanized tape I have. I have some ideas around it... let's see how it looks like (I will post the picture).

Thanks again! It has been very helpful.

Originally Posted by Fort

During my Trap shooting days one fellow mentioned putting Silica bags in his barrel since his basement was wet. The gun shop owner heard him and screamed NO-Do not put silica bags in your gun, in your gun safe or in your ammo boxes. In fact (he continued) you would be better off eating them. He said that the gun safe manufacturers released a long article in guns and ammo about how those things actually cause rust due to the wicking nature they have with moisture. Then once they can no longer absorb the moisture, all that extra moisture that ws pulled in and would have never been there attacks the next best thing your guns. Also the commercial sized silica packs have a warning to keep them out of containers containing oxidisable materials.

I think your silica did you wrong!

In my experience dabbing some mineral oil on the blade and tang before storage has always kept rust at bay.