Thread: rust (spot) treatment advice

Trying to get some tips/advice. I have a light rust spot on my straight razor and was seeing what would be the best way going about treating it or just what to do about it. Would it be best to send it to someone or is there a way to do it yourself if the rust isn't too bad? I'm guessing it was there because i haven't used it in a while and have been using my double edge razor. When I get done using my straight I rinse it with water, wipe it dry, strop it, and then use some light oil on the blade and store it in my leather case. Also, I store it away from the bathroom while in the case, in a plastic storage container with my toiletries. Am I doing anything wrong with the care? Here are a couple pics to show the rust spot.
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can you post better quality pics, I can;t see anything?

Thanks

I really can't see rust in the blurry pictures but to get rust off:
1) If it is a raised rust growing above the surface (red rust) scrape it off with a disposable single edge razor blade
2) Use metal polish like Maas with a cotton swab and/or a tooth pick.

If the rust is black and below the surface you may need to remove metal to get it out but try the above first.

Sounds like you are doing what is needed to prevent rust except for the leather. Sometimes the chemicals used to tan the leather will cause rust. Also, any skin oils on the blade during storage will cause rust. Oils, liquids or other materials in contact with the metal that acidic at any level will cause a red rust. The more acidic the faster the rusting. Alkaline oils, liquids, soaps and other materials (a base) will cause black rust and eat into the below below the surface. Good luck.

Sorry about the pics, that's the best i can do right now. This helps a lot and I'll give it a try. The rust is kind of light or looks like it's just on the surface of the blade. It is red and does not look black. The lightness of the rust made it hard to get the rust to show up in the pic. Thanks for the help.

If this is a vintage blade in old scales, you might have celluloid rot going on. Look between the scales where your rust spot is, and see if there's any pitting in them. They could be gassing off acid onto your blade.

The only solution is to rescale the blade, and get those scales away from any other celluloid scales you have. Toss 'em, or take them outside and burn them in your grill. Celluloid fire is pretty impressive. Wear sunglasses.

Originally Posted by roughkype

If this is a vintage blade in old scales, you might have celluloid rot going on. Look between the scales where your rust spot is, and see if there's any pitting in them. They could be gassing off acid onto your blade.

The only solution is to rescale the blade, and get those scales away from any other celluloid scales you have. Toss 'em, or take them outside and burn them in your grill. Celluloid fire is pretty impressive. Wear sunglasses.

I agree . The location of the rust would suggest cell rot as a possibility .

Ummmm....the brush looks like it's floating in mid air!

Originally Posted by dave5225

I agree . The location of the rust would suggest cell rot as a possibility .

The location, and the way it looks airbrushed. There's such a smooth gradient of rustiness.

And yes, that does look like a levitating brush. But that's an issue for its own thread

Thanks. Yes, actually it is a vintage blade with the original scales i believe. Any suggestions about where to go for replacement scales?

Haha, yeah i know. I used floss to hang it from the hook/support for the mirror. I didn't feel like buying a stand for the brush.