Thread: Chrome plating?

Why would a blade be chrome plated? Corrosion resistance? Is there a negitive side effect to chrome plating a blade?

I would imagine it would protect the blade, but then again, honing would take off the plating pretty quickly.

Originally Posted by karlej

Why would a blade be chrome plated? Corrosion resistance? Is there a negitive side effect to chrome plating a blade?

I don't think a blade would be. It certainly couldn't hold an edge if it were. Chrome plating is excellent for handles and other non-blade parts because it does resist corrosion and scratches. Hard chrome is even better in that regard and is often used to coat firearms.

Are you thinking perhaps about a stainless steel razor? While most straight razors are made of carbon steel, there are some very good ones, new and old, that are stainless and they do resist corrosion better than carbon. That said, carbon is not hard to care for as long as you oil it and keep it out of the humidity of the bathroom.

IIRC, there were several if not many companies in the early/mid 20th century that made chrome plated straights. Probably made for corrosion resistance and most definitely as a marketing ploy.

Originally Posted by Theseus

IIRC, there were several if not many companies in the early/mid 20th century that made chrome plated straights. Probably made for corrosion resistance and most definitely as a marketing ploy.

I did not know that. Would honing the blade not remove the chrome? Seems odd.

Originally Posted by eflatminor

I did not know that. Would honing the blade not remove the chrome? Seems odd.

The chrome plating would be gone from the edge first time it was honed. The rest of the blade would still be plated and resistant to stain.

I have a Butcher Brothers razor that has a plated blade, either chrome or nickel.

The plating is most likely nickel, and when it's done right, it's beautiful and surprisingly durable. I polished and honed a few Geneva Pyramids which were plated, and they were quite extraordinary.

Originally Posted by Jacketch

I have a Butcher Brothers razor that has a plated blade, either chrome or nickel.

Well dip my butt in buttermilk and call me a liar...