Thread: My blade is blotchy!

So, hullo everyone.

Here's my list:



A Philadelphia razor made for the Navy. One of my favorites, picked it up in an antique mall. Clearly already honed because of the marks on the spine. Interestingly enough, I got the package it came in as well. I keep nicking myself with the end.

And here's no. 2:



Dovo's cheapest model. Bought to replace an Art of Shaving Theirs-Issard I thought I had lost; I have it, now. Found it in my drawer with my knives tucked behind a Timber Wolf.

Here's the dilemma.



Look closely: See the black blotches on the left blade? Left there when I soaked it in just nigh of boiling water prior to shaving. The right blade showed the same coloration, but all over. I suspect it to be normal, or an indication of defects/air pockets in the carbon forging of the blade. What's your experiences?

Also, the PA blade's hinge-pin is a little loose; advice on how to get it a little tighter? I'm a metalsmith, but I just started using a razor, so I'm a little cautious as to playing with a blade I don't want to destroy.