Ruh-roh - Rust

[WesMontgomery]

I have a lovely Wade & Butcher wedge that I only got a few weeks ago. I've found that I really favor the heavier feel versus a hollow ground.

At any rate, I brought it on vacation to my house by the ocean and I discovered that the wet air had caused some minor rust along the blade. Like a complete idiot, I took out a plastic scrubbing pad from the kitchen to remove the rust, which worked pretty well. Unfortunately, I ended up leaving, you guessed it, scratches on the blade, which had previously had a polished, mirror-like finish.

It doesn't really bother me, but I'd like to try to restore that mirror-like finish. Have I screwed it up? Or is there a way to get back there?

Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions.

[Maximilian]

No, you haven't screwed it up but next time use some Maas or other polish to clean up your blade. Depending how deep those scratches go the fastest way would be a visit on the buffing wheels with some compounds. You could try some Maas or other polish but I have no clue how deep your scratches go. Maybe you could post some pics. As for now don't try to use anything abrasive to clean your blade.
Compare the scratches you made with scratches made on your mirror shine polished car. They can be removed but depending how deep they go different products and methods are used.

[Scipio]

If there was no rust when u purchased it and the relative humidity caused rust to develop then it was superficial and i hate to tell u, but u could have polished that off with Maas or a similar polish.

If uve left scratches then u need to progressively remove them using higher and higher grits on wet and dry across the entire razor and then buff it to achieve the mirror finish- depends how deep the scratches are. Post some pics

Regards

[Gunner777]

Since you are in a humid climate a little of this on your razor is also a good idea. Camellia Oil.
Camellia Oil Set w/ 100ml (3.4oz) Camellia Oil & Applicator - The Japan Woodworker Catalog

[Pete_S]

I'm kind of suprised the edge is still good. Anytime I've tried to mess with the finish on a sharp blade with anything but a polish its wrecked the edge and needed rehoning.

[WesMontgomery]

First, thanks to everybody for their help and quick responses

The scratches are not very deep and I will not be a total moron next time and ask SRP first before attempting "repairs" on my own.

I looked at the edge under a magnifying lens and, as predicted, it has a few nicks and will likely have to be honed again. I just got my Norton stone, so I guess my education in honing is going to begin sooner than I thought.

Thanks very much for the suggestion of a preservative for the humid weather. It's always a bit of a nightmare out by the sea as the air is humid and filled with salt.

Now, on the refinishing of the mirror surface, is there a guide somewhere to the progressive polishing that I should follow...something like the pyramids for honing that Lynn recommends? I may not get to this project right away, but I'd like to get the materials together so I can do it on a rainy day.

Once again, thank you all for your help.

[onimaru55]

Before you take that to a hone get the surface sorted out or you'll wreck the edge in the polishing.
Also you'll need to consider if the spine was previously taped before honing.
Bit of a challenge to start your honing curve on a wedge.

[WesMontgomery]

I can see evidence of wear from the hone on the spine, so I am assuming it was not taped.

I figure I need to take the plunge and I have two other razors that are in fine working order, not having been exposed to the salt air. If I screw things up royally (which I will, no doubt), I will seek the help of an expert. But the only way to learn is to take your time and try and fail and figure out where you went wrong.

[onimaru55]

Welcome to the deep end. You'll do just fine

[WesMontgomery]

Good news. I cleaned up the rust stains with MAAS and just finished a very enjoyable Saturday morning with my new Norton wetstone. I got up early and the house was nice and quiet, so I just took my time and followed Lynn's pyramid slowly and carefully. It became quite meditative, actually as I would do a step on the pyramid, pause, have a sip of coffee, listen to the birds and start again.

Lo and behold, I got a beautiful edge on the old girl and had the best shave so far, confirming my love for the full wedge. Exciting stuff.

Once again, thanks to everybody for the support and info. Post-shave, I rubbed her down with the oil from Japan Woodworker to protect against the sea air.