Thread: Removing rust

Hi to all,

After sporting a beard for 6 years I decided to get back to wet shaving. Of course, I could not do it with anything else but with my trusted straight razors. So, I unpacked them all to happy only to realize that due to bad storage rust had developed all over them, mainly, on the tail and tang, and on the back of the heel of one of them (thank God, not on the cutting edge). Some of the rust is just really color marks while in the case of my Wade & Butcher there is a small rust "bump" on the spine.

Therefore, I would like to ask you what method would you suggest for cleaning them. Is sand paper a good choice? How about the technique I should employ?

I would have sent them to a professional, but, unfortunately, I am living in Greece now and such a choice would be not effective time- and money-wise, since there are not any "meisters" in the country.

What would you suggest me do? Will my razors need honing after cleaning the rust off?

In Greece, you have Vasilis. Maybe message him, if you're looking to send some off to be professionally cleaned.

As for cleaning them yourself, sandpaper around 2K, maybe... if you're not worried about the polish on the blades.

I would start with a WD40 soak, followed by Maas polish, then see where you stand. Pictures would help assess the situation.

Originally Posted by Srdjan

In Greece, you have Vasilis. Maybe message him, if you're looking to send some off to be professionally cleaned.

As for cleaning them yourself, sandpaper around 2K, maybe... if you're not worried about the polish on the blades.

I would start with a WD40 soak, followed by Maas polish, then see where you stand. Pictures would help assess the situation.

Thanks for the prompt reply. Do you know how I may contact Vassilis? Is he a member of the forum?

Yes, he is on here, try it, I've not seen him post in a while though. Single "S", not double If you don't get a response in a few days, PM me, I'll try to get hold of him.

@Vasilis are you there my friend?

Originally Posted by Srdjan

Yes, he is on here, try it, I've not seen him post in a while though. Single "S", not double If you don't get a response in a few days, PM me, I'll try to get hold of him.

@Vasilis are you there my friend?

You 're the best! Thanks so much!

You're most welcome. I wouldn't be surprised if he's on a beach somewhere! I'll be coming over next week for a short break, too.

Yes, pics would help us evaluate the situation for each Razor.
As for the crusty bump, a SE razor blade, will cut it off without scratching the blade.

Start with the least evasive things, first.
A simple wash can do wonders.
Then metal polish, or 0000 steel wool and WD-40 (oil )

Sand paper would be the last resort, but yours don't sound that bad.

Here's one I quickly cleaned up with metal polish, scales too.

Originally Posted by outback

Yes, pics would help us evaluate the situation for each Razor.
As for the crusty bump, a SE razor blade, will cut it off without scratching the blade.

Start with the least evasive things, first.
A simple wash can do wonders.
Then metal polish, or 0000 steel wool and WD-40 (oil )

Sand paper would be the last resort, but yours don't sound that bad.

Here's one I quickly cleaned up with metal polish, scales too.

Thank you for your advice. Would any kind of metal polish work? I do not know what kind of brands I will be able to find here in Greece.

Also, will I need to hone my razors afterwards even if I do not touch the blade?

P.S.: I will post photos soon.

you will definitely need to hone razors after metal polish, it will kill the edge. Not sure how far back on hones you would have to go though. I think when I did it I went to 5k as starting point.
Edit: Could be wrong would try stropping/pasted first.

Originally Posted by dpapam

Thank you for your advice. Would any kind of metal polish work? I do not know what kind of brands I will be able to find here in Greece.

Also, will I need to hone my razors afterwards even if I do not touch the blade?

P.S.: I will post photos soon.

More than likely.
But as long as the edges are clear of rust or chips, a pasted, and leather strop. May be all they need. Maybe just a leather stropping is all they need.!