Thread: Should I be worried?

My gut reaction is yes, I should be worried. But I'd like a second opinion before I do anything.

This is blade 1, taking another look at it, the pits might not run deep enough to pose a problem. I dunno about that one.

http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/t...f/DSC01372.jpg


This is blade 2. Looks not so good.
http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/t...f/DSC01373.jpg
http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/t...f/DSC01375.jpg
http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/t...f/DSC01376.jpg
http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/t...f/DSC01378.jpg

Leighton do you have a low grit stone like 500 or below???

Here is what I do on stuff like that, before I waste my time on a bad blade...

Two-three layers of tape, put the edge on a low grit stone and using pressure I go 10-20 laps hitting the entire edge... Stop look closely at the bright steel for pitting and the swiss cheese effect....

How far up the blade you take this looking for clean steel is your decision

Why does the blade get pits? Is it a forging defect or something like a chemical etching?

Looks like toast to me but I could be wrong and I hope that I am.

Use a low grit hone or sandpaper and go after it.

Do like glen says. If there are only one or two little spots where the pits show up in the edge it should still shave comfortably. If there are more than a few, you'll either have to hone back past all the damage or cut your losses and move on to another blade.

Not really on topic, but would like to know what type of microscope and magnifications used. thanks

Originally Posted by Leighton

My gut reaction is yes, I should be worried. But I'd like a second opinion before I do anything.

This is blade 1, taking another look at it, the pits might not run deep enough to pose a problem. I dunno about that one.




This is blade 2. Looks not so good.

Originally Posted by paco

Not really on topic, but would like to know what type of microscope and magnifications used. thanks

Sure paco.

Its a Bel Omo 10X and the closer shots are a 20x. Had to use a Mag Lite LED to get enough light on the blade for the 20x so you guys could make out the picture.

edit: Some close up pics of the first blade. It doesn't look too bad, I'll probably give this one a shot. Looks like only 1 or 2 pits would cause any real problems in the distant future.

http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/t...f/DSC01376.jpg
http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/t...f/DSC01378.jpg

Originally Posted by jmueller8

Why does the blade get pits? Is it a forging defect or something like a chemical etching?

Take water + soap + years = rust = pitting

Just water would probably cause it to, but being totally unscientific I think the addition of the shaving soap worsens things...

Add skin and maybe a bit of blood from weepers or worse. That is why I strop after I shave as well as before. I like to make sure I remove any micro gunk that may be imperceptible to the naked eye yet still be in the bevel.