Thread: Razor/Metal charcoal color with magnification loupe

I've been looking at my shiny silver razor without magnification. With a 100x loupe I noticed the color is gray/charcoal. I can't remember the color when it was freshly honed, but I don't think it was gray.

I have a vintage/old razor.

Has anyone else noticed this?

Jake

I use a transmission microscope with an external light and how I position the light can make the surface look different. If you don't have a lighted loupe try pointing a desk lamp or other light source at the razor.

Also as mag increases light gathering power decreases unless you have specialized equipment so colors change and appearances change.

I was wondering if at 100x I could see the carbon in a vintage carbon steel blade?
Or if the carbon leeches out?
Even my strop is starting to show a carbon like color.

Jake

You won't be able to see carbon at 100X or anything else short of an electron microscope. Even carbides are beyond most home equipment. Also the carbon will not leach out. If you strop is turning black it is from something other than the carbon in your blade. If your blade is shiny to the naked eye that is not going to change due to magnification. If you are concerned about the strop I would suggest you give the razor a good cleaning with degreaser then soap and stop it on some type of linen or fabric. I would then use the linen after each shave before stopping on leather. Your strop is still likely to change color as you use it.