Thread: Toe Line

I have seen this horizontal line on vintage blades that is near the toe of the blade just about even with the top of the scale. So I am guessing that it has something to do with the blade closing off center or some other reason why the blade is contacting the scale. I am wondering if anyone has any insight into what causes it?

Bill, not that I can be a great deal of help but I would think a picture could be useful.

It is from moisture where the scales contact the blade as-closed. Seems a result of long-term storage with razor closed.
I see it from horn scales mostly.

Ed, you can see a small version of the toe line here: http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...-henckels.html in post #4 with that nice looking old Henckels snagged by rhensley.

Originally Posted by edhewitt

Bill, not that I can be a great deal of help but I would think a picture could be useful.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

It is from moisture where the scales contact the blade as-closed. Seems a result of long-term storage with razor closed.
I see it from horn scales mostly.

This would be my 2cents a s well.

Now THESE toe-lines are from another cause altogether!

"Now THESE toe-lines are from another cause altogether! "

Tom, I think it is in the bylaws that you can't take pictures of your feet and post them.

I will look into that! Anyway, that was back in my 'goth' days.

at least they aren't as hideous as some inadvertent toe inclusions in pictures posted here. Regarding the original topic, i see what you mean now bill and it looks like we may have an answer too

on a freshly made blade you will start to see the beginnings of this line rather quickly, especially larger/heavier blades. friction is the main culprit with moisture being his little buddy that aids in the oxidizing of that line, leaving the thing darkened like it is in contrast to the rest of the blade. even humidity in the air will do it, if it sits unattended for a length of time, once the friction between blade and scales creates little scratches (you may not even notice them unless you look intentionally for them in raking light). the darkening is made far worse in cases like sharptonn pointed out, putting away a blade damp is asking for all kinds of issues. leaving that blade sitting after putting away damp will exacerbate those issues. if you dry the blade well before putting away you will still see this line over time but it may not appear dark at all, just matte compared to rest of blade.