Thread: What is this?!?

I just noticed this on my new Aust after about 12 shaves



What is that black stuff on the blade? It won't clean off with water or rub off.

It is rust starting as far as I know. It should polish off with something like Mothers polish but you don't want the polish near the bevel/edge to avoid having to touch up/hone the edge. It is not unusual and easily fixed. To avoid it in the future be scrupulous in drying the blade and between the scales. Then let the razor air dry for a few hours before putting it away in any place other than the bathroom.

Bob

Looks like corrosion/oxidation, my guess would be you either left the insides of the scales a little wet, or some moisture remained on the blade when you were finished shaving. If the environment isn't dry and some moisture remains on the razor, this happens very quickly.

I'd try fixing it with a bit of polishing paste, but be careful to stay away from the shaving edge.

I agree. The oxidation can stain the blade in a surprisingly short period of time. When I first began with straights I kept a brand new Dovo wet long enough to stain it during a three pass shave. BTW.. The silicone sleeve will not protect if there is moisture on the blade or between the scales. Best to wipe dry thoroughly with a square of toilet paper or micro cloth and do not neglect drying the inside of the scales. Do not place the razor back into the sleeve or storage case until it has aired out for a while.

Patina,,,,

Where in a department store can I find polish?

Nearly any auto parts store. Look for MAAS, Mothers,I am partial to White Diamond .

Also while letting it air out don't close the blade in the scales, I have a stand my razors go on after I'm done cleaning and drying, it stays on that rack for the day,, don't shut it and store it till then. Also like has been said, I have left soap on my blade between passes in the beginning and he tarnish started.
Any metal polish will work, I get mine at Ace hardware. Like was suggested, if you polish on your edge it will dull it, I personally would just wait till it needs a touch up, and send it out with instructions to polish your blade. Cause if your as new as your join date, I'd go with a pro honed edge till I got shaving and stropping down, which takes some time. Tc

I had the same thing happened to mine. It's some sort of reaction of the metal to the soap. You could try polishing it off with a bit of toothpaste using a cotton swab, just don't touch the edge of the blade. I was able to remove most of it.

Here is what I do to prevent my blades rusting, been doing it for about 4 years now without any problems;

After shaving I wipe the blade (stropping action) on a wash cloth, run hot water over the blade to further clean and heat the blade to promote drying. Next I wipe the blade (stropping motion) on a dry towel then strop 20-30 passes on felt, take a single sheet of toilet paper doubled over and wipe inside of scales. I will the lay the razor blade open for a few hours before putting razor back in its rack or roll in the bedroom, I never leave a razor in the bathroom....too much moisture/humidity.

I know this may seem like a lot of steps and extra work but my blades have not rusted so far after using this procedure.