Thread: Stain on a new razor

I used a new straight for the first time this morning. It is a mirror polished TI carbon blade and was spotless and well oiled when I started. I managed to cut myself (noob). Toward the end of the shave, I noticed what appeared to be blood stains on one side of the blade, and dark stains on the other side. I have not had this happen before with similar blades.

I tried to rinse and wipe, without removing the stains. I applied a light oil, let set and wiped, again stains remained.

I assume I can polish with a little metal polish, but want to be sure I don't damage the gold wash. Also, should I apply a Renaissance wax? My routine up until now post shave is to dry, strop, apply light oil and store. Suggestions?

Dave

The metal polish will most likely have a negative affect on the gold wash.

Oh also, I can't remember in which thread, but I believe Utopian has a little homemade remedy for your situation.

Something with mineral oil and rubbing alcohol. I'll try and dig it up unless he get's to this thread before me.

I've had water spots appear on blades from my city water. If you've not had that with other blades it may have been the blood. I'm a pro tattooer and when we used to re-use our needles, and carbon steel at that, it was amazing how quickly blood will eat into steel if it isn't removed immediately. The metal polish will remove the gold wash whether it removes the stains or not. Read my sig below and you'll have less nicks if you take the old barber's advice.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I've had water spots appear on blades from my city water. If you've not had that with other blades it may have been the blood. I'm a pro tattooer and when we used to re-use our needles, and carbon steel at that, it was amazing how quickly blood will eat into steel if it isn't removed immediately. The metal polish will remove the gold wash whether it removes the stains or not. Read my sig below and you'll have less nicks if you take the old barber's advice.

I have read your sig before and tried to adhere to the advice. For some reason this morning, I , while using my left hand, used a sything motion and opened my cheek a little. Not a bad cut, but bled a fair amount. I applied styptic, and now that I think about it, wonder if the styptic added to the stain issue.

I do not have stains in the gold wash area, so I may try a very gentle hand polishing to just the stain area and then wax.

I had a similar issue with a new DOVO with gold wash. In my case, I had used a green liquid styptic, and it definitely stained the blade, close to but not in the gold wash. I used a little silver polish cream on a Q-tip, so as to keep away from the gold wash, and it worked well. You might give that a shot.

I would assume that hydrolysis of the Aluminum Sulfate in the styptic pencil would produce sulfuric acid. That would be corrosive to your razor.

Regarding Thorxes' comment, after every shave I dip my razors in a solution of 0.5% mineral oil in isopropyl alcohol. The alcohol evaporates and takes water with it, leaving the oil behind to protect the blade. Because it's such a thin coating of oil, I never have to wipe it off before stropping and shaving the next time. I've had no ill effect on my strops after doing this for about 8 years. I'm not certain that it helps, though I think it does, but it doesn't do any harm.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I would assume that hydrolysis of the Aluminum Sulfate in the styptic pencil would produce sulfuric acid. That would be corrosive to your razor.

Regarding Thorxes' comment, after every shave I dip my razors in a solution of 0.5% mineral oil in isopropyl alcohol. The alcohol evaporates and takes water with it, leaving the oil behind to protect the blade. Because it's such a thin coating of oil, I never have to wipe it off before stropping and shaving the next time. I've had no ill effect on my strops after doing this for about 8 years. I'm not certain that it helps, though I think it does, but it doesn't do any harm.

I did not think about the corrosive effects of the styptic. This is the first time I applied it before I finished the shave. And the last. As Momma said - Son, you ain't split no atoms lately, have ya?

Originally Posted by Utopian

Regarding Thorxes' comment, after every shave I dip my razors in a solution of 0.5% mineral oil in isopropyl alcohol.

That's thin gruel, Utopian. 'Bout a rounded tablespoon/gal? Is there any spec or preferance in the alchohol? Do you use one of the quart bottles? Would that make it about a teaspoon/quart of alchohol?

It sounds too good to be true, but I sure won't bet against ya. Maybe a bit of detail on what concentrate of alcohol or if the amounts mentioned above are in the ballpark? Sounds like a wonderful way to quickly care for the blades.

DBurnette, how'd you make out?