Thread: rust removal-polishing

First you guys are great. I see lots of threads here with new guys like me showing pics of rusty or tarnished old razors they found and you are happy to give tips on fixin them. I would like to clean up a nice razor one day. I want to start with a razor that is nice but just needs elbow grease. Where can I find out how to do this without killing myself? It wont be shave ready but I'm sure it will be very sharp. Just wondering about tips on steel wool and polishing on a sharp blade. Thanks.

My bad. I just found the workshop. lol! But the very first thread I looked at had nasty pics of slashed fingers and I fainted.

I hope you didn't literally faint. You are not guaranteed to shred yourself, but most people cut themselves at least once.
Also check the wiki.

Originally Posted by savalis1971

My bad. I just found the workshop. lol! But the very first thread I looked at had nasty pics of slashed fingers and I fainted.

If you are careful you will be fine and fingers intact.
I have never cut my self when restoring razors ,it is all about being careful what you are doing.

I cut the crap out of two of my fingers, but I shouldn't have. I lost concentration and just forgot what I was doing, I guess. Just pay attention and watch what you're doing. Search for a restoring jig here on the forum. It helps your hands, and I plan on making on one of these days.

I'm probably jinxing myself here, but after restoring 60+ razors I have never even nicked myself. Concentration is key. What I do is quickly assess the grip I have on the razor and whatever sanding pad I have to make sure if something slips it won't expose my flesh to it. This is really important if you start to use buffing wheels.

Originally Posted by mainaman

If you are careful you will be fine and fingers intact.
I have never cut my self when restoring razors ,it is all about being careful what you are doing.

Ditto to that but I have broke a blade when the buffer grabbed more then I wanted! Honestly it was my fault and shear lick I didnt get cut but it quickly reinforced my need to always keep my mind on the task at hand. Talk after the blade is awy from the wheel's!!

I am restoring a razor and I polished and buffed by hand. I did not want any flying blades in my workshop from a buffer wheel. It's suppose to be fun, not death defying.

Originally Posted by pmburk

I am restoring a razor and I polished and buffed by hand. I did not want any flying blades in my workshop from a buffer wheel. It's suppose to be fun, not death defying.

Yes, a lot of care needs to be taken with a buffing wheel. But I know people that have cut themselves pretty badly with hand work as well - Yikes!

I second that Alembic! They don't usually tolerate mistakes but the efforts are well worth it if done proplerly.