eBay razor (oops)

Hi all,

My boyfriend has expressed interest in learning how to shave with a straight razor, and because we're both pretty broke, I turned to eBay for a razor...it's a Double Duck Satin Wedge, and it looks lovely except for a dark rust (?) spot on the blade. I tried the thumbnail sharpness test trick, and it seems to be pretty sharp, but I'm wondering if this dark spot is just a normal patina or if it's a sign of a defective razor. I didn't realize eBay was such dangerous territory, so now I'm skeptical. I want to give him this as a Christmas gift (plus all the accessories) but not if it's crappy...

I contacted the original seller, and he's willing to give me a refund, but I want to keep it if it seems ok--what do you think?? Does anyone know someone in the DC area I can take it to? Sorry the photos are so blurry, but I can't seem to get a sharp zoomed in image.


Attachment 147139Attachment 147140

It's very hard to tell what's a dark reflection in the picture vs. dark spots in the blade.
Try holding the blade over a sheet of white paper and tilting it down slightly so there's no dark reflections.

It'll be much easier then to give you an opinion.

Try hand sanding it with wet/dry sandpaper (easily found at auto parts stores) from 400 grit to 2000 grit (or higher) then polish with mothers mag polish (found at same auto parts stores or walmart). I've used this on several antique shop razors that looked WAY worse with good to great results. Dubl Duck is a fantastic brand and if you got a good deal on it, well worth cleaning up. As far as sharpness goes, you may want to send it out to be professionally honed by any number of the great guys on the site! Overall, I've seen much worse come out really good!

Chris

Attachment 147142 HNSB, this is a slightly better photo (thanks for the tip--I also found the macro setting on my phone). You can see the dark brown spot closer to the handle--the rest of the blade is OK.

And sharkbite111, thank you, that's encouraging. I'll keep poking around.

That is definitely rust and it needs to come off.
There is also a lot of hone wear. It will probably still sharpen OK... I don't know what you paid for it; if it was a premium price and the seller is willing to refund you, it may be worthwhile to send it back. On the other hand, if the price was reasonable it should be able to shave well, and may be a great deal.

I'll be happy to clean it up and hone it for you, no charge.
It's a Christmas gift, it should be perfect.

Blergh. Thought so. The blade came with oil on it so I don't know how/why that happened.

That would be great!