Thread: What is this, and is it bad?

Hello all,

During my constant perusal of all things straight razor related, I have come across this discoloration on various blades.

I was wondering what this process is called. It doesn't look like rust or pitting (but I can't be sure), and I have yet to see patina develop in a pattern like that. When I see this should I not be concerned as it is easily buffed out, or should I run for the hills?

I am just trying to train my eye when it comes to what are acceptable vs fatal flaws. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

looks like oxidation to me... you should be able to get it out like any other form of rust.

Originally Posted by TwistedOak

looks like oxidation to me... you should be able to get it out like any other form of rust.

Great to know, thanks!

I didn't think it looked terrible, but wanted to verify before I fell in love with one covered in that stuff only to learn that it is a fatally destructive process.

Can you feel it with your fingernail? And what do the scales look like?

If you can’t feel it, you are probably ok, but the first thing I look for is Cell Rot with a black patterned stained.

Look at the scales for signs of Cell Rot.

Depending on brand and price, it is not something I would buy.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

Can you feel it with your fingernail? And what do the scales look like?

If you can’t feel it, you are probably ok, but the first thing I look for is Cell Rot with a black patterned stained.

Look at the scales for signs of Cell Rot.

Depending on brand and price, it is not something I would buy.

Wow, thanks for the heads up! Never heard of that phenomenon, and had to look it up (still want to read more about it).

I actually dropped 50 on that blade.

It's a Wade and Butcher with what looks like horn scales that are in pretty good shape (for my purposes at least). I hope to use it as a platform for my first attempt at achieving a mirror blade finish. Will officially be the oldest blade that I will have as well. All I know from my research so far is that it must be pre 1891, because there is no mention of "England" on the tang.


Once I get it in my hands I guess I'll know if it was a good purchase or a big mistake.

It is often referred to as Devil's Spit. Pretty much that is one form of rust in carbon steel. You can never tell how deep it does, so it may be deep pitting when it is demoed or it may be just on the surface. They only way to tell for are is to start sanding.. The stuff near the edge is the only part that effects the shave, the rest is just aesthetics.

Yup, looks like horn, good.

Can you feel any pitting with a finger nail?

Should be a shaver and the scales will shine up nicely.

Read the library on hand sanding, start with 600 and go up or down from there.

Ok just saw, you dont have it yet.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

Yup, looks like horn, good.

Can you feel any pitting with a finger nail?

Should be a shaver and the scales will shine up nicely.

Read the library on hand sanding, start with 600 and go up or down from there.

It appears from the different picture angles that it is smooth, so hopefully it is. I already have the hand sanding page in a tab on my browser ready to go.

Originally Posted by RezDog

It is often referred to as Devil's Spit. Pretty much that is one form of rust in carbon steel. You can never tell how deep it does, so it may be deep pitting when it is demoed or it may be just on the surface. They only way to tell for are is to start sanding.. The stuff near the edge is the only part that effects the shave, the rest is just aesthetics.

Devil's Spit!!
Sounds bada$$. Hopefully it's not too deep. Thanks for your insight.

I hope to post some killer after shots when I'm finished.

Originally Posted by DocMartin0321

Hello all,

During my constant perusal of all things straight razor related, I have come across this discoloration on various blades.

I was wondering what this process is called. It doesn't look like rust or pitting (but I can't be sure), and I have yet to see patina develop in a pattern like that. When I see this should I not be concerned as it is easily buffed out, or should I run for the hills?

I am just trying to train my eye when it comes to what are acceptable vs fatal flaws. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

It is called devils spit and unless I get an amazing deal on the piece in question I avoid razors with this condition at all cost. Exceptions are insanely cheap razors so its worth a shot or a razor with awesome scales that I would pay the price I am bidding for the scales alone to use on another razor in case I cant get this one to my satisfaction. It (devils spit) isnt always the kiss of death but more often than not - it is.