Thread: Dealing with Rust

So I bought my first eBay razor...this one. (Item number: 110362472917) I bought it knowing full well the risks, but the pictures looked thorough, and I got the advice of a seasoned veteran--and it just looked so darned cool.
The problem is, there turned out to be active rust in a hidden area. I don't actually blame the seller--there is a bit of rust on the tang INSIDE where the scales usually cover it, so it's probably just a matter of a slip-up in usage after care. The edge is fine, and it actually appears shave ready.

But...how do I handle the rust? How should I treat the razorto prevent further damage? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

To me that is merely a cosmetic issue. I keep some 1k sand paper purchased at an auto parts store and wet it and wipe the surface rust away. The only time I worry about rust on an old blade is when it had caused pitting at the edge that may be too deep to hone through. Then unless it is a large blade it is toast.

Some people will remove the blade from the scales and clean and polish the whole thing. That is nice if it is your preference but I just clean them in the scales with some metal polish and hone them up and shave. YMMV. Nice razor BTW !!

You can also apply a drop or two of WD40, that should help with the worst rust under the scales.

My experience, limited as it is, is this.

It depends on how deep the rust goes and if I can get to it. If it is surface rust. 1k paper or neverdull will get out most of it. If it extends to a point I can't adequetly reach. I'll unpin it and go after it.

Really depends on your comfort level.

WD-40 is good, Kroil is better, the flat dental floss is great...
You need to obviously clean those scales too.... 1k sandpaper will do everything and then some MAAS to polish and protect...

I try never to pop pins unless absolutely necessary on vintage razors, but that is just my opinion...

Being in Japan you might have some difficulty finding some of those names, but I bet there are local equivilents...

Thanks for all the advice, guys. I'll give it a clean...I was actually worried about popping the scales, I figured that if the rust had got under there, I might have to remove them to get it all cleaned out. Good to hear it's not necessary.

I'll try to find some local equivalent to WD40...shouldn't be TOO hard, people need to clean and lubricate machinery in Japan, too.