Thread: Using a dremel for removing black rust, pitting and polishing after handsanding.

Sanded my first restore, to foil. Didn't realize it till it hit the hones. What a mess.!

Fortunately for me I listened to good advice before I got there but I was on my way.
"I'M SANDING AND I CAN'T STOP!"
It could happen to anyone.

When I shave with an old razor, I want to be able to think about it’s history and the hands through which it has passed until it got to me. I hope to be able to pass that along to the next owner.

If a razor is old and well-loved and can still shave, why would I want it to look as if it just came out of its wrapping? The patina, hone wear, some stains and yes, even some pitting testify to its age and usage.

I will repin and try to repair or replace the scales so the razor is usable.

I will remove rust and see if I can remove devil’s spit because, in my opinion, those are related to improper storage or handling and fixing them prolongs the usable life of the razor. I will sand out pits and polish for the same reason, but not to an extreme.

If I want a razor that looks brand new, I’ll buy one or try to find one that is NOS.

Agreed. You don't want it to look nasty or mistreated but old is actually a good thing.

Originally Posted by bouschie

Tread lightly. It takes a micro second to destroy a blade. Catch an edge and crack of chip the blade. Fun it too fast and too long and burn the blade. Mirror finish is not all its cracked up to be. It took decades and sometimes a century of more to get a nice patina.

Originally Posted by DZEC

If a razor is old and well-loved and can still shave, why would I want it to look as if it just came out of its wrapping? The patina, hone wear, some stains and yes, even some pitting testify to its age and usage.

[snip]

If I want a razor that looks brand new, I’ll buy one or try to find one that is NOS.

Originally Posted by PaulFLUS

Agreed. You don't want it to look nasty or mistreated but old is actually a good thing.

For the bicycle-conversant among us, Grant Petersen (founder/owner of Rivendell Bike Works) coined the term "beausage" to describe that wonderful patina'd quality of old razors. I can't imagine a better word for it.

I use a Dremel or even better the orange knockoff from Harbor Freight. And the felt wheels, with diamond paste. Does a fine job of polishing. I lay the razor flat on a piece of steel or aluminum to protect the edge and also to serve as a heat sink.

First few times you use power tools to polish or sand a razor, do it on something expendable. Super easy to destroy a razor. You can hand sand for the same results, just takes a little longer. For hand polishing, try a piece of an old tshirt.

Originally Posted by outback

I've done numerous razors with the dremmel, but I prefer to do it all by hand.

You'll be better off being patient, and do it by hand. Even the polishing can be done by hand. You'll cherish your work for years to come, with great pride.

For instance.
Attachment 317338
Attachment 317339

Not a single power tool, used.

How did you polish it by hand? What did you use?

Lessee the razor in question?

Originally Posted by Pedigree

How did you polish it by hand? What did you use?

I finish sanding with 800 crocus paper, and oil, till the paper is wore out.

Then using a old pair of fruit of the looms (Underwear)
and emory buffing compound ( grease stick ) with a drop or two of oil, then red rouge, chromium oxide, and then finish with maas or flitz.

It takes a lot of rubbing with all things listed, especially the crocus paper.

Originally Posted by outback

I finish sanding with 800 crocus paper, and oil, till the paper is wore out.

Then using a old pair of fruit of the looms (Underwear)
and emory buffing compound ( grease stick ) with a drop or two of oil, then red rouge, chromium oxide, and then finish with maas or flitz.

It takes a lot of rubbing with all things listed, especially the crocus paper.

As they say, the proof is in the pudding, and your results are always impressive.