This razor is for sale, and I would like to know if I should stay away from it. What is this rainbow color on the blade?
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This razor is for sale, and I would like to know if I should stay away from it. What is this rainbow color on the blade?
Attachment 126595
Stay away! probably a sign of the steel temper to be gone.
I'd be inclined to follow Martin's advice.
The colour might just be iridescence from the light catching a film of oil, but I don't like the look of the burn mark on the scales. Wonder how it got there, and whether it means that someone heated the blade too for some curious reason.
Regards,
Neil
Alright, thanks...Quote:
Originally Posted by Martin103
Hmm... could be that it was buffed and has microscopic striations that reflect a rainbow, like a CD does. Or maybe the light source is doing something weird. What I hope it ISN'T is discoloration from heating, like you see on motorcycle exhaust pipes. That would have wrecked the steel for sure.
This is all speculation. I hope someone with better thoughts chimes in soon.
Hmm, I don't think that's from heat.
The "rainbow" seems to repeat itself, my guess would be some oil or other solvent on the blade.
Edit; I do remember I've seen this type of rainbow on blades that has been sterilized by dipping in alcohol and set on fire
Indeed, this made me even suspicious. ThanksQuote:
Originally Posted by Neil Miller
If in doubt, ask the seller for more info and more pics.
I would also ask about the burn mark on the upper scale near the logo and whether that is a crack in the scale at the pivot pin.
Regards,
Neil
Her's the auction, would you buy it? :Antique Spartacus Thiers Issard France 889 5 8 Straight Razor with Box | eBayQuote:
Originally Posted by Lemur
Why take a chance on a commonly found razor?
Me, nooo!Quote:
Originally Posted by Martin103
I've already got a cracked TI Spartacus... I would look for some thing else.
It doesn't look good, does it?Quote:
Originally Posted by Martin103
No sir! Looks even worse in the auction picture.Quote:
Originally Posted by Martin103
Regards,
Neil
That pretty much sums it up!Quote:
Originally Posted by eod7
Nobody can be dead certain were the coloration comes from, but we know it could be really bad!
Aside from the coloration issue, the scales , with a burn , crack at the pivot ....... lot of fish in the sea. I'd wait for another one to come along.
I have a few carbon steel knives that have this "Ora" to a much lesser degree and it is entirely due to patina and is not a bad thing at all (in the case of my knives).
HOWEVER, I know the history 100%. This razor OTOH has a mysterious distortion on the handle. If this coloration was heat induced I'd walk the other way.
I have tried unsuccessfully to photograph this effect on my knives...perhaps that demonstrates how slight the "sheen" or "Ora" is.
I was going to say it looked a little like just oxidation patina, but after seeing the auction pics I would definitely avoid that one. The coloring looks very regular and like it came from a source (heat). I don't think I'd risk 5 bucks picking that one up.
