Thread: What is pitting?

I have passed on the purchase of several razors in the past because the blades had "minor pitting". Does pitting affect the performance or longetivity of a blade? I would like a blade that would last a very long time. I was just wondering if pitting is merely a cosmetic issue. Thanks.

A pit is just that.... a small "pit" caused by corrosion. It should not affect the performance of the razor unless it is on the edge. Extra care must be taken to make sure the razor is completely dry when not in use because a pit can trap moisture and allow corrosion to begin again.

So are you saying that pits are not progressive? ie I shouldn't really worry about them as a casual shaver?

I think that what scrapyard is trying say is that it won't affect you shave unless the pitting is on the edge (in which case the edge would be compromised). The Pit, should it trap moisture and start the corrosion again, would progress.


hope that helps

For what it's worth, many of my regular rotation razors have what I would call 'minor pitting'. As has been mentioned, in order for a razor to be shave ready, any pitting on the cutting edge must be honed away or it will not shave. When I restore a razor for purposes of shaving, not necessarily collecting, I am only interested in its ability to remove my stubble. I will not waste my time with a highly corroded/pitted blade, but so long as I'm able to stop any active corrosion and the pitting has not compromised the blade, I find that minor pitting can even add 'character' to the razor.

If what you're after is a razor to shave with, a 'shave ready' razor with 'minor pitting' will certainly do the job for you. It may also save you a substantial amount of money over a defect free blade.

Just my opinion,
Ed