Thread: What is pitting

i know the razor i have has pitting, but i don't really know what it is and what causes it?

When a razor rusts, the rust flakes off, leaving pits in the steel.

Think of rust as the "cancer" of steel. Removing the rust sometimes reveals the fact that the cancer has spread or is more problematical than the surface rust suggested. Red rust seems to be less problematical, not as deep and easier to remove. When there are black spots on a razor, the pitting revealed by removing the spots can be deep. The razor can still be serviceable, but if the pits are revealed in the edge as it is honed further, there is the possibility that the razor will not make for quality shaving.

how would i remove this "cancer"

Remove rust or pitting? Red rust can be scraped off the surface with a single edge scraper. After that, I like to use MAAS and either 000 or 0000 synthetic steel wool to get out any that remains. That will also help with staining that develops under the rust.

The black rust, which we often refer to as Devil Spit, is tougher to get off. It usually comes off while using an abrasive, such as greaseless compound, sometimes greasey compounds, or sandpaper. And it typically leaves the pitting behind.

To remove pitting, you have to lower the rest of the blade's surface to the same level as the bottom of the pit. One way or another, this means taking steel off the razor.

One of the causes is decomposition of old celluloid.
As it breaks down it gives off a corrosive gas/ fumes.
These fumes attack steel and produce pits...

If there is a pattern of corrosion under the scales
it implies that the scales of the razor are a problem.
In some cases a second razor can be attacked by
fumes from another -- in this case the pattern is inverted
and looks as if the razor was spray painted with rust.

Sunlight and heat can trigger decomposition of celluloid.

Air tight containers can produce a "Bad Apple"
effect and wreck a box full of blades when one
blade breaks down.

It is a sad problem because celluloid produces some
beautiful scales. But when it goes it is bad news ...

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

When a razor rusts, the rust flakes off, leaving pits in the steel.

I have a vintage that has these little holes, they look like a little cheese holes, not on the edge but quite near to the edge. I have had tried to hone it but doesn't shave well. Do you think its unserviceable?
Thank you