Thread: Carbon steel oxidation/rust developing very rapidly

Part of my post shave procedure is checking to see if there is any water on the inside of the scales. I keep paper towels under the sink, tear off a little and get the water. Tissue or toilet paper doesn't work as well.

Originally Posted by Pete123

Part of my post shave procedure is checking to see if there is any water on the inside of the scales. I keep paper towels under the sink, tear off a little and get the water. Tissue or toilet paper doesn't work as well.

+1. I always check inside the scales for drops of water. More often than not I don't get them because I'm careful when shaving/rinsing, but it does happen, and water spots will result at best, or rust at worst.

OK thanks for the response folks! I used to splash a lot of water around, including inside the scales, but that was long ago.

But hold on a second, here's the thing very few of you seem to address:
in this case the stains pop up within minutes while shaving. I used oil and q tips to remove or lessen the stains from the previous shave, then during the last shave (a few minutes) it became RIDDLED with stains (mostly blackish, but I think I saw a bit of red too). I have never seen it happen this fast before. THAT is what spooks me about this one. So, at the beginning of the shave it looks OK-ish (except that I couldn't remove all the stains last time), and then within minutes it looks far worse.

Am I really the only one who's experienced this? This is also an expensive razor, so I am perplexed. I am almost scared to shave with it now. I will try my old DD Wonderedge again next, just to see that there's nothing in the water here that rusts the razors.

Both Semichrome and Wenol, also Flitz, leave a protective coating on metal. Maybe try one of those before you shave with the razor again. If it is the razor, or the water, the protective coating may make the difference.

OK thanks folks! I will try some of these remedies

I have rarely done any metal polishing before, so let me know if you have any favorite cloth/materials to apply these things with. Also let me know if you treat the etched areas differently.

As far as an explanation for this phenomenon, I think Gssixgun probably has the most likely hypothesis; that the steel is very fresh out of being ground into shape. I would hate to think that there is something wrong with the steel, but who knows? It shaves very well at least.

Originally Posted by trondsi

OK thanks folks! I will try some of these remedies

I have rarely done any metal polishing before, so let me know if you have any favorite cloth/materials to apply these things with. Also let me know if you treat the etched areas differently.

As far as an explanation for this phenomenon, I think Gssixgun probably has the most likely hypothesis; that the steel is very fresh out of being ground into shape. I would hate to think that there is something wrong with the steel, but who knows? It shaves very well at least.

I use q-tips to apply the polish, and paper towels/q-tips to work with it on the material. It will take gold wash off in seconds, but it will not harm etchings unless they are colored.

Maybe shoot an email to Ralf Aust. He has a website and could possibly tell you if this is a strange phenomena, or if it has happened before.

I have a couple of Aust razors and have no issue with rust or water spotting with them or my other razors. After every shave, I coat my razors with a 50/50 mixture of 91% isopropyl alcohol and Ultra Lube. You could use Ballistol, other gun lube, or light machine oil as well.

I apply the mixture with a cotton pad used for removal of makeup. The pad is also the right thickness to wipe between the scales to remove any water there. I also put a drop of the mixture on the pivot pin if I think it may have gotten wet. The alcohol evaporates quickly removing any moisture left behind. A thin film of oil is left on the razor as a protectant.

The only steel that I have that rusts quickly is an Old Hickory butcher knife that is 1095 carbon steel. If I use the knife, I have to wash and dry it thoroughly immediately after use, or it will get rust spots. It takes one heck of an edge.

If your razor rusts while you are in the process of shaving, you might need to have your water checked to see if it is either:
1. very soft- low calcium and magnesium content
2. acidic- pH below 7.
3. contains chlorides or other halides that would be corrosive. If you live near the coast, there can be salt water intrusion into the water supply.

If you use water from a public system, you should be able to obtain an analysis from the provider.
If you have a well, you might want to have it tested.

If you suspect any of the three conditions noted, try shaving using bottled spring water for lathering and rinsing the blade and see if that makes a difference.

Originally Posted by trondsi

OK thanks folks! I will try some of these remedies

I have rarely done any metal polishing before, so let me know if you have any favorite cloth/materials to apply these things with. Also let me know if you treat the etched areas differently.

As far as an explanation for this phenomenon, I think Gssixgun probably has the most likely hypothesis; that the steel is very fresh out of being ground into shape. I would hate to think that there is something wrong with the steel, but who knows? It shaves very well at least.

One of the things I forgot to mention

I am one of the worst there is when it comes to the term "Wet Shaving" seriously I get water everywhere make a complete mess of the whole bathroom ...

One thing that I do to eliminate ever getting rust on the blade

After all the normal cleaning drying etc: etc: that is posted above,, I do NOT close the razor for 24 hours

I leave it open in a safe dry spot, until the next day then close it and put it away.. No matter how well you think you are doing everything else, there can be moisture inside the scales, just leave the razor open for 24 hours and you negate that possibility..

I also agree with the idea of trying Bottled / Distilled water to see if your water really could be that bad, we have heard of that in the past

but in the end Carbon steel is Carbon steel you do have to care for it

Here's a common sight at the Boars Nest as I like to 'air' the razors before putting away The Next Day. I do wipe the razor dry before 'Hanging It':



No Munchkins or SWMBO around so-------------

Much like Cuda, I have a drying rack I put my razors on for a day or 2 before putting away. RayClem up above gave the best advice. CHeck your water!

I have had the experience of watching a blade rust before my eyes when the water was from a house using a chemical treatment to kill bacteria in the water.

even some bottled "purified" waters can be acidic. a gallon jug of Poland Spring is a fair bet at being closer to neutral.