Thread: Mirror vs. patina

Has the blade been sanded? It might just be my monitor, but it looks to have plenty of odd marks from sanding all over it, plus what looks like a fair bit of pitting.

Mind you, I am sensitive to pitting - even so-called 'water marks' are a form of light pitting to me, as evidenced by the shallow depression revealed when looking at them under the right lighting conditions.

If there are light scratching/sanding marks on the blade, any patina that took years to build up disappeared at the time those marks were made.

Regards,
Neil

Not sanded by me. And the photo could be better. But I take your meaning.

Originally Posted by Hart

True patina.

Attachment 163748

there are a few dark spots but it is mostly an even gray, deepening in the corners.


Attachment 163751

Yep, patina is beautiful:

Providing it is just patina and no rust, i like the effect that 8k-12k micromesh gives - it leaves all the patina but also makes the blade shiny.

I guess I have razors that have rust on them, according to Glen's description, but they look good, shave well, and it's not like they're about to disintegrate into a crumbled mess. I'm thinking patina (oxidisation) and rust (oxidisation) are essentially the same thing?

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

I'm thinking patina (oxidisation) and rust (oxidisation) are essentially the same thing?

There are different forms of iron oxide so it is similar rather than the 'same' thing.

I like patina, as long as no major pits or rust is in it. This one got just a once-over with Maas. Perfect, IMO

Rust blueing on a gun is a form of oxidation , but it also holds oil and protects the metal under it, after rust blueing you don't see the true finish till oil is added and the deep blue black pops .so I guess patina I protects the metal like rust blue or the green stuff on copper statues

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

I guess I have razors that have rust on them, according to Glen's description, but they look good, shave well, and it's not like they're about to disintegrate into a crumbled mess. I'm thinking patina (oxidisation) and rust (oxidisation) are essentially the same thing?

I agree that the black rust on some razors can look good and is added character in some cases. I've had one razor the rust pattern on which I tried to find a wood grain to complement but ended up cleaning it off. It's great to have something that looks the part of an "antique" that you can use as if it were new.
There is something very special when you are lucky enough to get one with that perfect look of a grey wash though.

I like patina on my razors. Buying a used razor that has been polished to a high mirror finish can be a great shaver & great looking razor. It can also have been overheated in the process of obtaining the finish that the blade has changed it's temper.
For me its all about the edge, size and grind type. I am happy to leave the history of the past users on the razor.