Thread: Cracked blade?

I know it's kind of hard to see but does this look like a crack? I don't have a loupe yet. Anyway to tell for sure?

Could it be just a scratch? Like it fell between something?

Or a possible cold shot.
Happens to some blades during the process of making.
Does it show thru to the other side?

It looks to be in the same spot on both sides of the blade. It does look like a crack. Lightly tap the side of the blade with a screw driver to hear if it makes a dull sound. It is close enough to the heel that it may not affect the shave.

It looks like two cracks to me. It may still shave ok though. There have been reported cases over time where tight cracks like those still shave OK.

It looks like one crack on one side and two on the other.

I have several shavers with cracked blades. My test for a cracked blade is whether or not it leaves any scratches on the strop. It it scratches the strop it's not going near my face. Otherwise, I shave with it. I never have been scratched or cut by one of those razors but I cannot guarantee the same result for anyone else.

It looks like a crack to me. It appears to be the same length from the stabilizer. Like everyone else said, it might be okay. Do like Utopian said on an old strop, belt or even a piece of leather.

Utopian is dead right: the crack that scratches a strop will most likely scratch your face and one that doesn't probably won't. I've got a lovely Kropp 6/8 with a crack that shaves sweetly - and it slides smoothly over the strop.

Run a sharp pin across it. If its a crack you'll feel it.

Originally Posted by outback

Or a possible cold shot.
Happens to some blades during the process of making.
Does it show thru to the other side?

Yes both sides. I tried flexing the blade in that spot because both sides show it but the line doesn't get worse or flex like it would if there was a crack there