Thread: How can I get the "black steel" of my razor?

It may just need a good cleaning and polishing, but pics would be nice!

here are the pictures with the dark "patine". So Gentelmen, should I remove it to get a shining blade, and if so-how?, and if not- can this stay for shaving?
Thanks a lot

From what I can see, there should be no reason to remove it, other than aesthetics. Make sure there is no active rust, as that will be a problem, but the patina is just fine. Nice scales, BTW...

Speaking of, that may be a good reason not to clean it up: to do it properly, you would have to remove the scales, and may risk damaging them if you don't know what you're doing. Buffing without removing the scales would be even riskier.

Get some 2000 grit automotive wet and dry sandpaper to remove the rust and then use a quality polish such as Simichrome or Maas to bring the shine back. From what I could see there was some honewear there and quite possibly a frown in the blade. But then again it may have been just the lighting and the angles.

Originally Posted by Vulcan500rider

From what I can see, there should be no reason to remove it, other than aesthetics. Make sure there is no active rust, as that will be a problem, but the patina is just fine. Nice scales, BTW...

Speaking of, that may be a good reason not to clean it up: to do it properly, you would have to remove the scales, and may risk damaging them if you don't know what you're doing. Buffing without removing the scales would be even riskier.

HUGE +1

Those scales are really nice and very collectible, anytime you pop scales you stand a good chance of cracking them, I don't care how good you are at it...
I would do the least amount of work necessary to keep the razor in the best shape possible...Stop any active rust and keep the blade oiled when not in use...

nice advice!
Thanks gentelmen.

From what I can see, you have two things going on here, the typical dark patina that forms on carbon steel over time, and some pitting at the grain boundaries. The first is not a problem since this type of oxidation actually forms a protective layer on the steel surface. The pitting, however, is somewhat of a concern since over time and with exposure to moisture, these pits may continue to grow. Fortunately, they do not appear to be on or near the edge so you can probably leave them as they are, but I would definately coat the blade with a light film of mineral oil between uses.

It's a well used blade. I would just clean it up and not worry about doing anything drastic. It isn't worth it to try and get those soft pits out.

Your scales are really nice & I wouldn't chance trying to remove them from the blade like Glen said. With the pitting & blade wear, I'd personally just hone it and use it. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice razor that should give you years of good service.

I would just run it up the micro grit pad line and maas it... that pitting is not deep and will not show up as much when you shine it....I have a griffin that looked like that...