Thread: Rust In Wapi Scales

I bought one of the wapis from Stamps on ebay as my first straight and the razor has certainly provided good shaves. I remember the scales being called stainless, though there was some question as to their exact nature. In any case, I live in a fairly humid environment, so this could just be because of that, but I've got a bit of rust developing inside the scales.

Not a big deal, just thought I should post this so people are aware that they can indeed rust.

Now I know, so I'll make sure they're as clean, dry and oiled as the blade itself until I can rescale the razor!

edit: Don't let this keep you from purchasing the razor, odds are you don't live in a house that stays as humid and warm as mine. Just an FYI.

I'm not convinced that Wapi scales are stainless, either. They look like nickel plated steel to me. Does anyone have the definitive answer to this one?

To my eye, the Wapi scales are the wrong color for nickel. I believe they are "stainless steel" which generally isn't exactly that, I think it's, more accurately called corrosion resistant steel. There could even be inclusions in the scale material which are more prone to corrosion than is the core material.

Definitive answer? No. Guess? Yes.

stainless is not stainfree

Originally Posted by Tierdaen

stainless is not stainfree

Yup, stainless steel is not rustproof, but it won't rust as quickly as other steels.
As to whether or not the Wapi scales are stainless, I'm not sure, but it certainly looks like it to me.