Thread: Problem with waterspots

Hello!

I need some advice or a diagnosis from experts on steel.

I have a Swedish steel razor which develops what I think to be waterspots (i.e., dark round spots ranging from dots to about 1mm in diameter) very quickly. In other words, if I am rinsing the blade with water while I am shaving, I will have waterspots by the end of the shave. I now wipe the lather off my razor on a dry towel while I am shaving and I immediately wash, thoroughly dry and then coat the razor with mineral oil when I am finished.

Before there is a chorus of "dry it more carefully," let me preempt that by saying that I am taking great pains to make sure that the razor is thoroughly dried. Yesterday evening, I polished the razor with Flitz to remove any waterspots, washed the razor and then thoroughly dried the razor with a towel and hair drier. I immediately dunked the metal portion of the razor into a bottle filled with mineral oil overnight. This morning, there were two grey waterspots about 1mm in diameter on the blade.

The water in my location is very soft. I use Tabac and MWF and an alum block.

I am at a loss. Any ideas on how to prevent these waterspots or an explanation as to why they are developing?

For anyone thinking about posting, "dry the razor more thoroughly," thanks for the thought and consider the point taken. However, I would appreciate hearing from those who may have other ideas.

ZE