Thread: Rust during storage

It doesn't have to be high mag. As I said I hone using an 8x loupe but the magnification shows the answer to "Why is my razor not shaving so well now ?"

Yes, I know, but I don’t understand the, “If I can see it, it doesn’t exist crowd.”

Bottom line, if it’s working for you, rock on.

Doesn’t mean that, it will not work, for someone else. Especially new guys, where more information will help them understand what is happening, the process and when and how they are making progress or not.

People learn in combinations of different ways. I am dominantly a visual kinda guy but the thumb test tells me a lot .
Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic Learning Styles (VAK)

I wonder if the same holds true for those that are rubbing and massaging the oils from their hands into their strops....?

Originally Posted by Aerdvaark

I wonder if the same holds true for those that are rubbing and massaging the oils from their hands into their strops....?

Good question.

At the same time that you are transferring oils from your hand, you also are transferring salts. Be afraid, be very afraid...or not.

Originally Posted by Aerdvaark

I wonder if the same holds true for those that are rubbing and massaging the oils from their hands into their strops....?

Maybe I should make the switch back to Ballistol after a good cleaning...

Wow, I will make sure from now on to keep a light coating of oil on my blade.

Depending on the acid, oil is no protection, ie cell rotting scales will still corrode a blade but in everyday use carbon steel benefits from being oiled.

Mic is also a concern, microbiologically induced corrosion. It affects both carbon and stainless steels. Most common morphology is pits within pits, called tubercules, which look exactly like the damage shown in the first post. I see it a lot in process equipment where untreated water is used. Bacteria literally eat iron, silicon, carbon, and many other alloying elements, leaving behind a weak sponge that crumbles under stress. Only way to avoid it is to kill the microbes before they have a chance to start.

In the case of a shaving razor the bacteria mostly come from our skin. That's why it's important to thoroughly rinse, dry & oil the razor before putting it away. Even if all you did was test it on a few arm hairs, still need to rinse, dry & oil it.

Edit: 400 series stainless isn't quite as susceptible as carbon steel, but it's still a concern. The extra nickel helps protect it some. Same with alloys that sport a lot of chromium.