Thread: Rust removal from gold wash???

Hello Gents,

I have received a vintage razor that has some light surface rust on top of the gold wash etching on the face of the blade. I was wondering if anyone knew of anything that might remove it without damaging the gold wash etching.

It is more likely of a story that the rust is coming out from under the gold wash, as such I cannot conceive of a plan that would allow you to remove the rust and leave the gold. There are members who have quite successfully put the gold wash back after the rust has been removed.

I saw you’re earlier post and was wondering how to remove the rust as well.

I would try some Flitz metal polish, as it is nonabrasive. Test on a small spot with a Q tip, but I also think, the rust is under the gold wash and will have to be removed then re-plated.

It is a nice razor, personally I would clean it as best as possible, hone it and shave with it.

Do be careful with those scales, they are notorious for off gassing.

say goodbye to teh gold wash I think if rust is in it byt the time you get it off

I've used Birchwood Casey's Rust & Blue remover on goldwash, rubbed in with a q-tip to improve rusty cosmetics but you can't actually remove the rust without removing the gold.

Oil and very fine steel wool is something I've used in the past with good success. Try a very light touch, only do as much as needed until the rust is gone.

Since goldwash does not rust, the rust is coming from the steel through the gold wash. Any metal polish I know of will remove the gold wash. I have a couple of Fritz Bracht vintage Dovos, and a beautiful Torrey that have this problem. After I cleaned them up as best I could, I honed them and then coated them with some R.I.G. rust inhibiting grease, and left the gold wash/rust as is. I've had them for 3-4, maybe 5 years and they haven't gotten worse. AFAIK, there is no way to have your cake and eat it too with this problem.

Thanks for all the info. I was a little worried about it cosmetically, but after getting it honed and shaving with it this morning I am leaving it as is. It is a great shaver.