One of my Dad's old straights is a Bengall blued steel razor. Some of the bluing is heavily worn and has some rust spots. I intend to clean it up with Birchwood Casey blue and rust remover and then polish the blade.

I'm wondering if it's necessary to re-blue. Is there a purpose for the bluing other than aesthetics? Like, maybe, the steel is of such a high carbon content that it needs the additional rust protection? I'm not opposed to re-bluing but just wondering what my options are.

Thanks in advance.