Carbon steel oxidation/rust developing very rapidly
I just got a fantastic-looking razor from Ralf Aust, and it has a very nice edge too.
However, they way this thing oxidizes is something I have never seen before: I can see oxidation spots grow on it as I shave :dropjaw:
It has lasted several days: I have shaved with it four times now. Every time it gets a few more spots (which I then rub with oil, which helps a little, but not completely). It still looks decent, but this is getting scary.
Keep in mind that I'm no longer a newbie; I know carbon steel will develop a few spots and that's fine. The closest I have seen was a Dovo razor (carbon steel again) that developed spots within a few minutes (30 min or less?) while honing. I assumed that honing made it extra vulnerable, with small particles from the hone and particles of steel floating in the water droplets on the blade.
I have a few other carbon steel blades that don't show any of these issues. I haven't oiled my Dovo Silver Steel for years and it still looks great. So what the hell is up with the Ralf Aust blade?? I have not honed it myself, and I keep rubbing it with oil (spots do not develop while oiled, so I am thinking of putting oil on it after stropping but before shaving). Ever experienced something like this?
Follow-up question: what's the mildest stain remover out there?
Carbon steel oxidation/rust developing very rapidly
Can't confirm this on any of my two dozen plus Austs, where the last ones had arrived only about a month ago.
Due to the number of razors, I use the same Aust only about once every two months and, while I live only ½ mile from the sea in a tropical climate, none of my Austs has given me corrosion issues.
As a protection, I had bought a few stainless Austs in between, but in the end went back to carbon steel, anything else being equal.
As it may be a few weeks before I use the same razor again, I do use an applicator with Ballistol after the shave though.
B.
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