Thread: 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
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?

I like Semichrome or Wenol a lot. My favorite rust preventative is R.I.G. (rust inhibiting grease) by Birchwood Casey. I keep a silicone gun cloth impregnated with that stuff. Great for firearms or cutlery.

One word "BALLISTOL" !!

Slawman

The "Newer" the steel is the more susceptible it is to staining, I actually mention this in the letter I send home with Newly restored razors, that raw Carbon Steel takes some time to develope a protecting Patina.. Renaissance Wax works REALLY well for this, many of the Metal polishes have a protectant wax in there also..

Oil / Grease works too, but you have to be careful that you are NOT trapping moisture with it

Originally Posted by gssixgun

The "Newer" the steel is the more susceptible it is to staining, I actually mention this in the letter I send home with Newly restored razors, that raw Carbon Steel takes some time to develope a protecting Patina.. Renaissance Wax works REALLY well for this, many of the Metal polishes have a protectant wax in there also..

Oil / Grease works too, but you have to be careful that you are NOT trapping moisture with it

That is very interesting info. Thanks!

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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OK, so do both Renaissance Wax and Ballistol polish and protect at the same time?

Also, which one stinks less?

in my experience some oil their razors and trap moisture that will appear form time to time,, mainly I don't oil at all, unless going up for long periods of time like a year or more. and Ren Wax will provide you with a great layer of protection,, but then again I use Wd 40 also,, and it wicks moisture away,, I just don't use it for long term Ballistrol is good too , but smelly, and if push come to shove id recommend any good gun oil Tc

I use Dovo Sterol for short term storage. I find it will evaporate if left on several months. For long term I use AG Russell No Rust which is silicon based and it lasts forever.

The biggest cause for staining is getting water in the scales. Once the staining starts, it is hard to keep it away. The RIG is good for long term storage as is the gun wrap paper. NEVER get water in the scales!! Ever!!