Rusty Razor

Hello. I have a Shumate Price razor that wont quit rusting on me. I think I did put oil on it the second to last time, but the light brown rust just came back. The last time, I spent about 2+ hours polishing the hell out of it, even using some slurry from my 12K stone. It was very bright and I even shaved with it. I dried it off, let it sit out and after a day, put it back into my razor drawer by itself. You guessed it, the rust came back. The handle has cracked where I tightened the rivet a tad bit too much and it is missing a small piece I can't seem to find. I hate to say it, but I'm thinking of pitching it. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Are the scales original? You may have cell rot in the scales. Until you remove them and replace them the razor will continue to rust.

Post photos of blade and scales. Include some close ups so members can help identify the problem.

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Originally Posted by bouschie

Are the scales original? You may have cell rot in the scales. Until you remove them and replace them the razor will continue to rust.

Post photos of blade and scales. Include some close ups so members can help identify the problem.

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+1 to that

Attachment 269935undefinedundefinedAttachment 269934I believe they are original. I like the scales, but I think one of the pin areas are too far gone to keep as is. Will do.

I would remove the scales. Clean the blade with 400 grit wet/dry sand paper and WD-40. Polish with a good metal polish. Let it sit for a week or two. If no further put new scales on it and continue to enjoy.

It definitely looks like cell rot, from what I see on the blade

Those type scales are notorious for cell rot. As stated, remove the scales and replace with new ones, preferably something beside celluloid. Throw those original scales away as they are contagious and the cell rot can spread to scales on other razors. Once you replace the original scales and clean the blade you should be fine.

+1 to most likely cell rot. When you remove the scales, put them in a ziploc bag with a piece of untarnished scrap iron/steel and see what you get after a few days.

Cheers, Steve

I meant to say that it is a Shumate Prince. lol. Ok, sounds like the only plan of action. The left side scale is about unrepairable, anyhow. I'd like to try my hand at buying, making and fitting another pair of nice-looking scales. Thanks for the direction.

Just curious. Is it a St. Louis Shumate or Austin TX? If Austin TX, they are desirable by some members and hard to find.

Almost for sure cell rot, keep that razor away from all your other razors as it will infect them as well

It doesn't have a location that I can see clearly. I believe it did say St. Louis when I first bought it. It has been polished at least twice. I can read part of it that says . . "cutlery co."
How in the hell does "cell rot" infect another razor? If I hadn't heard about this before, I would've been sure you all were pulling my leg.

When nitrocellulose breaks down, it offgasses acids as well as other chemicals. These airborne caustic vapors attack all steel within reach. That's how in the hell it does it.

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Originally Posted by sqzbxr

When nitrocellulose breaks down, it offgasses acids as well as other chemicals. These airborne caustic vapors attack all steel within reach. That's how in the hell it does it.

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This is especially true if they are stored in something like a cigar box or drawer with no air flow

I don't need the attitude sqzbxr. Make comments all you want, but leave me alone.

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Originally Posted by WILDMAN1

How in the hell does "cell rot" infect another razor? If I hadn't heard about this before, I would've been sure you all were pulling my leg.

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Pot. Kettle. Black.