Thread: Mirror vs. patina

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.

I guess I'm the opposite side of this equation, I prefer my blades very clean, for here, it's called a mirror finish, for me, it's clean, very clean...I'm don't like the idea of shaving with years of anything coated on. Just not my taste or preference, to each their own I guess. The mirror finish that's put on my blades when I send them out is all done by hand. I always enjoy seeing the water bead off the blade it's been polished so beautifully.

+1 with Phrank. But I'm also good with Sharptonn's opinion as well. That much is fine. But anything more and I'll have some metal polish out getting that cleaned off. Antiques and rare coins should have patina, I guess, but not my razor.