Thread: Black spots/rust(?) on blade

Hello everyone!

Yesterday I noticed small black spots or rusts spots (don't now what they are on my blade).



Taking cue from one of the threads on the forum, I dipped it in vinegar for a couple of minutes - it hasn't helped, but rather there's a blackish stain now.

I sprayed it with WD-40 and left it for the night- no improvement.

Any suggestions/recommendations?

Thanks

This will happen with carbon steel. If there is any moisture on the steel when stored this can happen. I had a razor that was brand new and during my shave started to patina. Very carefully you can clean the spots off. I'd first try, a bit of mothers on a Q tip. Possibly 0000 steel wool. Very carefully though staying away from your edge. Also when done shaving, wipe your blade with toilet paper, strop and let air dry before put ting it away. Also if you are storing it in the bathroom move it else where, somewhere dry and not as humid.

Well, don't ever dip it in vinegar again. The acetic acid in vinegar causes rust. See if you can find any sort of metal polish. I have no idea what is available to you where you are, but I have used Maas, Flitz, and Mother's metal polishes.

You even can use tooth paste as most have abrasives in them. However, given that you've already exposed it to acid, you might want to consider a thick paste of baking soda, which is sodium bicarbonate. Put that onto a cloth over your hand and pinch the blade with the cloth and rub both sides. I've never tried this myself, but it should have some abrasive quality and it will neutralize the acid.

Even some of that WD40 sprayed on newspaper will help polish out those stains. Just stay away from your edge as warned already, and stay away from vinegar as a blade cleaning agent..

I have already used colgate...did not help.

Brassos are available here....is it any good?

I can see Maas, Flitz, and Mother's are available on amazon - amongst the three which is the best?

I'll give it a shot with the baking soda today.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Originally Posted by Utopian

Well, don't ever dip it is vinegar again. The acetic acid in vinegar causes rust. See if you can find any sort of metal polish. I have no idea what is available to you where you are, but I have used Maas, Flitz, and Mother's metal polishes.

You even can use tooth paste as most have abrasives in them. However, given that you've already exposed it to acid, you might want to consider a thick paste of baking soda, which is sodium bicarbonate. Put that onto a cloth over your hand and pinch the blade with the cloth and rub both sides. I've never tried this myself, but it should have some abrasive quality and it will neutralize the acid.

Thanks for the tip. Actually I have been very vigilant in drying my razor. But it's monsoon here....so probably it's best I keep it out of the bathroom.

Originally Posted by ejmolitor37

This will happen with carbon steel. If there is any moisture on the steel when stored this can happen. I had a razor that was brand new and during my shave started to patina. Very carefully you can clean the spots off. I'd first try, a bit of mothers on a Q tip. Possibly 0000 steel wool. Very carefully though staying away from your edge. Also when done shaving, wipe your blade with toilet paper, strop and let air dry before put ting it away. Also if you are storing it in the bathroom move it else where, somewhere dry and not as humid.

Ok, if you are in an area of high humidity, you could store the razor in a sealed container with rice in it. It will serve as a cheap desiccant. Once or twice a year replace the rice and throw the old stuff into soup!

I prefer Maas but all three work just fine.

Lovely advice! Thanks.

Going with Maas, since I don't have a clue reg the others.

Hi Uthopian
Just to update you I have used the mass and I am glad to inform you that the black stains from the vinegar are gone. (Honestly this is one bang for the buck product!) But the spots are still there. Should get my 4k/8k norton in a couple of weeks. Will check if honing takes those off.
Tarek