Thread: Beginner in need of some rust removal advice.

Hi all,

So recently I acquired a razor that seems to have come rusting. The razor is "hy-carbon steel". The rusting is very minimal, there is no pitting (at least that's what I think), and it really is only about a few months of rust. I can scratch some of it off with my fingernails.

it was shave ready about 1 year ago.

The majority of the rust is on the right side of the razor, with a significant portion on the spine.

What is the cheapest and quickest way that I could get this razor back into commission?

here is a pic:

--let me know if you need more

Best,

RH

Start with posting a photo here so we have a better sense of the severity.

Originally Posted by Utopian

Start with posting a photo here so we have a better sense of the severity.

'Nuff said.


However, if a camera is not within distance of you, I'd start with some metal polisher. Maas works great! Others will correct me if I'm wrong, but it's nearly certain the blade will have to be rehoned to ensure the rust didn't touch the edge.

Yes a photo would help, but just like honing try not to remove more than is needed, especially if this razor is a full hollow or double hollow.
I would almost guarantee that it would need a honing, even if you cannot see rust along the bevel with the naked eye, it is still very probably there. Of course my wife did shave last night with a 40+ year old DE blade, so you never know.

I just had the same problem with razors I had sitting for a while. My first line of defense is MAAS, or Mother's mag and wheel polish.
If not, you may have to take more drastic measures...9 times out of ten that's sufficient for what your describing without photos.

Remember to start with a mild approach because you can always get more aggressive if the blade requires. Start with Maas or Flitz or even toothpaste. Avoid any sanding unless it is required because it creates future work for you,

The rust does not look too bad... A couple places look worse than others.


Even dull rusted razors cut like heck so begin with
a cautious plan. One plan is to send it to
someone to do for you....

You can sand it with some 1000 or 2000 grit wet dry 3M paper
from the local handy man shop. Most auto stores have it
as do most small hardware stores.

Tear off a bit not quite as big as a match book cover
and then use something to protect your fingers fold the
paper over the spine and lightly sand pinching the
blade between your protected fingers.

Use some of those chop sticks from Chinese take out
to make a tool to work the corners.

Spray with WD-40 and finish sand... and hone it
up.

The rust near and on the edge bothers me but may
just be surface....

Some of the guys in the classified have a set
of buffers that would make quick work of the
problem... then they also have a big kit of
hones to get it shave ready again.

What state are the scales in?

Originally Posted by Utopian

Dylan (Holli4pirating) also started a thread a while ago about using Maas with superfine synthetic steel wool. I have not tried it yet, but it seemed like a good idea that may be applicable here.

Other than using Flitz because I can't find Maas locally, I've found this method to be my favorite starting point. Put some of your metal polish on the blade and let it sit for a minute or two. Then start scrubbing with some 000 synthetic steel wool. It won't get rid of pitting or devils spit, but it will get rid of active rust and smooth things out.
If the rust is on the edge spend a couple minutes getting rid of the rust on the blade. Then put it to a 1k and start setting a bevel with circles. After a quick set of 20 or 30 on each side the rust should be gone. Takes maybe a minute or two. After that you can easily see if the edge is worth pursuing it if you're best tossing it or bringing it down.