Thread: Tarnish ?

I have been using a Torrey razor for about two months now. It's my only shave ready razor right now. I have a few more that need to be honed but I like the Torrey. When I got it it was kind of tarnished up with a few black rust spots on it. After some real fine steelwool and then 3 grades of rubbing compound then some polishing compound I got it looking almost new. Now every time I shave with it I coat it with mineral oil and put it back in its box. Now there is some black tarnish on the tang where it touches the scales it almost looks like the scales are staining the blade. could the oil cause the scales to melt or bleed on to the blade? It dose not come off easy I have to brake out the compound and it still didn't all come off. What could cause this and what can I do to prevent it.

I suspect that you are getting water trapped between the scales and shank at the pivot. A drop or two of trapped water can cause this problem. If water gets in this area, heat the blade and shank with hot water keeping the water away from the pivot. A blast of compressed air or alcohol may help extract the water. Never leave the razor in alcohol. Be sure that the razor is dry before oiling and storage. Clean up the water spotting and then take great care to keep water out of this area. Oil will not prevent rust when applied on wet steel.

Hey There

Yeah that sounds about right. I expel water after I dry the blade by closing the blade fully, then opening it really slowly and blowing into the joint as it opens, about half way I dry the water droplets off the tang and carry on, you will be surprised by how much water you will get out doing this. Do you apply the mineral oil into the joint and onto the tang, if you don't, you can do.

Thanks

Carl - SRH