Rust on Cutting Edge

Hi,

I received a new straight razor from my wife for Christmas. The cutting edge has a few small lines of rust on it. We took it back to where she got it and was told it was just surface rust and would not effect the functionality of the razor. I thought this may not be the case and insisted they have their rep take a look. I am going back to collect the razor and find out what the rep said this Friday 14/1/11.

Since taking the razor back I found this great web site. I was hoping someone might be able to tell me if I should be concerned about a bit of rust on the cutting edge or not. Thanks in advance for any help.

Cheers.

First off..welcome to SRP:) What type of razor is it and how thouroghly did you dry it before putting it away?

Thanks for the welcome and the quick response. The razor is a Dovo classic full hollow ground. I noticed the rust before I used the razor for the first time, but still gave it a try anyway. I definitely dried the razor thoroughly following the two times that I used it. I gave it a strop before my second try as well and the rust did not come off. After reading up on this web site I have realised the razor probably needs a hone as well?

Should I try and get the razor replaced or should I not be concerned about this.

Hmmm..strange that it came with rust on it..not a good sign. I have a Dovo Special, my first straight, and have had it for a little over 2yrs and not had an issue with rust on it. I'd suggest that it be replaced if possible..especially if it came that way. And yes, either purchase from another vendor to make sure its honed and "shave ready" or send it out to someone who knows what they're doing..it will make your first shave that much easier to remove the variable of is this blade sharp enough.

Thanks very much for the help. I will make sure I get a replacement and get the new one honed professionally.

Cheers.

When I first started to read your post, I thought "Oh hell, that's just wrong. Have him send me the razor and I'll touch it up for free." Then I saw that you were from Australia.:w

Whoever told you that the rust on the edge was of no consequence was, charitably, a moron as far as straight razors go. He might be a genius, but in the razor department he's useless. The thickness of a razor's cutting edge is extremely thin. ANY rust at that edge is going to weaken the edge and cause chipping, which will cause an uneven jagged edge, which will cause an uncomfortable shave. I highly doubt that is what you want and it certainly is not what you set out to purchase. Rust on the face of the blade is an aesthetic issue, but rust on the edge is a functional issue and is therefore entirely unacceptable. Did I mention the guy who told you it was fine was a moron? Oh yeah, I did, well, be sure to tell him I said so when you take the razor back. Do take the razor back and either get it replaced or re-honed. The rust needs to be removed so that the blade can be restored to a sharp edge and a rusty edge CANNOT be sharp because it will crumble.

If for some odd reason you get stuck with this razor, this forum has a very active Aussie contingency. One of the can get you back on the right path with your razor.

Thanks so much, you have given me all the confidence I need to make sure I get a replacement. I will let you know how I go.

Cheers.

After much time and debate I have managed to get my money back, thank you all for the advice.

Cheers,

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sweeney79

After much time and debate I have managed to get my money back, thank you all for the advice.

Cheers,

---

Be sure to check the classifieds here at SRP, no doubt someone in Ozland has what you need or can help you to get it.

I reckon living in Townsville will put you behind the eightball with rust problems.
Your humidity levels will equal or exceed what I experience in Sydney.
Make sure any shop razor you buy is not a "showroom" model & has not been handled by staff or customers. Again if you buy in a shop inspect the blade thoroughly before paying. Personally I would inspect the steel with a jewellers loupe or a magnifier of some sort.
If you get a good one, be fastidious about drying & keep it oiled after shaving. I recommend 'Inox'. It's *Available at Repco, hardwares etc & has a higher quantity of oil in it than other WD sprays.

I'm surprised that no one up to this point has brought up the health issues of shaving with a rusty razor ie- dangers of tetanus and the such. Would you want to shave with a rusty disposable or DE? I would think a rusty straight would be even worse, considering the likelyhood of cuts is that much more.

I agree with onimaru55, being in Oz would mean the humidity factor would be high; I suspect that would be the main culprit behind the rust.

All things aside, I noticed that you said the rep called it "surface rust" then you also said in your second post that it did not come off after a strop session. Even bare leather will buff off so-called "surface" rust if it is, indeed, limited to the surface. The fact that it did NOT proves Utopian's affirmation that the aforementioned dealer is a "moron." Either way, it's good that you got your money back, because now you can work out a deal with one of the local razor fanatics in Oz and get yourself a good one, not to mention the help and advice from someone who doesn't have their head stuffed into their own lower-digestive orifice.

Hope you find the right one soon. Start by taking a look at the Classified section here...

You might want to get one of those silicone-impregnated gun socks and cut it down to sew a razor sock for storage.

Good luck finding a new razor and keeping it clean!

The silicone socks work great. I have two about 6" long x 2" wide. The web site is sackups.com They make all sizes for many different applications. It is a cotton fabric that contains an oil and silicone base. It has a natural wicking ability that continually draws moisture away. And its made in the USA.