Thread: Black line on my razor

I've noticed a black blotchy line on my razor near the edge. It looks as if someone use a marker and just scribbled on my razor.

Sorry about the descriptions, I won't have my camera for a long time, so I can't show you all what I'm talking about.

Anyone know what this black line is?

Did you buy it that way, or did it just appear? Some people use a black magic marker when honing, but normally, the marker is along the bevel edge, not to say that they didn't slip or something...Does your phone have a camera, or perhaps a friend...?
I'm sorry to say, but a picture is worth a thousand words in this case...

If it is a marker stain, then you should be able to remove it with rubbing alcohol. Dip your thumb and forefinger in the alcohol, pinch the two sides of the blade and pull it between your fingers. This should remove the stain if it is from a marker. If it is corrosion, this will have no effect on it.

Do you think the mark was there all along and you just noticed it, or do you think it is newly formed? If it is the latter, then it is either water/soap staining or corrosion.

Regardless of what it is, another solution would be to get some Maas or other metal polish like Flitz or Simichrome or Mother's and to polish the blade with some of the polish on a cloth or paper towel again pinching the blade between your fingers.

Sounds like it could be lather burn - lather causes staining rather quickly because of it's basic nature. Make sure you are totally cleaning off all the lather and lather residue after every use. I run mine under hot water until they look totally clean to the eye, then wipe off, rinse again, and wipe again.

If you do the pinch between the fingers thing make certain to move the edge away from the fingertips. I know it sounds like common sense but I mention it because careless use of semichrome on a paper towel once left a gash in my thumb.

The lather burn is something I've also seen. I've seen it leave a blue to yellow translucent staining that resembles overheating.

Whenever I use marker to discern whether my edge is in contact with the hone I wipe it off immediately once I've seen satisfactory results. I use lighter fluid because I have it. A lot of things work but it is best to get rid of it before going on with the honing IMO.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

Sounds like it could be lather burn - lather causes staining rather quickly because of it's basic nature. Make sure you are totally cleaning off all the lather and lather residue after every use.

+1, that's my thinking as well. It does highlight the importance of cleaning and drying off your razor before storage.

Well I do have a phone with a camera. I'll take a picture and we'll see how the quality comes out. The line is REALLY small though.

I don't remember the spot being their before. I'm convinced it has developed recently.

Lather staining seems the most probable. It's nothing to worry about, right? I thought I cleaned my razor off appropriately, but I suppose I should do more now.

No, it IS something to worry about. The residual lather can be corrosive and therefore can corrode the edge of your razor. This can affect both the aesthetics and sharpness of the razor.

Originally Posted by Utopian

No, it IS something to worry about. The residual lather can be corrosive and therefore can corrode the edge of your razor. This can affect both the aesthetics and sharpness of the razor.

Absolutely. I would also recommend stropping your razor after shaving, before storing your razor away. I know some members don't think this does anything, but I think it's beneficial. What can it hurt?

Originally Posted by Ryan82

Absolutely. I would also recommend stropping your razor after shaving, before storing your razor away. I know some members don't think this does anything, but I think it's beneficial. What can it hurt?

I do strop after I shave. The line isn't on the edge, just near the edge. I'll definitely do a better job of wiping lather off though. I should probably make sure my lather isn't under-hydrated as well.

Thanks for the help guys!