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JimR Discolored Blades 11-22-2009, 09:04 AM
ben.mid It looks like the blades have... 11-22-2009, 09:11 AM
JimR They all shave magnificently,... 11-22-2009, 10:53 AM
ben.mid I suspected that from your... 11-22-2009, 11:21 AM
mackie I think I might know. I am... 11-22-2009, 12:12 PM
JimR It could be that, mackie, but... 11-22-2009, 12:28 PM
  1. #1
    Senior Member blabbermouth JimR's Avatar
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    Default Discolored Blades

    OK, so I need some help from the "Steel Masters".

    I have A few blades now that have some things in common.

    1.) they were all used for years...decades...in barbershops.

    2.) they are all Japanese made

    3.) they all have a strange, rainbow hued darkening around the toe.

    I've asked the barbers why that might be, and they had no idea. ONe of them said "All of my razors have that same discoloration. Maybe it's after honing, wiping, stropping and shaving however many thousands of people it's shaved...". Which is fair enough.

    So my questions are:

    What might cause this?

    Is it indicative of any serious problems with the steel (I doubt it, they're all fantastic shavers...but what do I know?)

    And

    Might it be possible to clean this without major sanding?

    Thanks,
    Jim
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    Large Member ben.mid's Avatar
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    It looks like the blades have seen some overheating, but the fact they all shave well conflicts with that.
    Once they're shave ready, do they hold their edge?

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    Senior Member blabbermouth JimR's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ben.mid View Post
    It looks like the blades have seen some overheating, but the fact they all shave well conflicts with that.
    Once they're shave ready, do they hold their edge?
    They all shave magnificently, and there have been no signs of edge deterioration since I got them.

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    Large Member ben.mid's Avatar
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    I suspected that from your first post really.

    I can only suggest some polish first, & if that doesn't shift it, try going to the finest grade wet & dry you can lay your hands on. You obviously don't want to leave scratches, so keep everything very light. Then it's back to the polish.

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    JimR (11-22-2009)

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    Mack mackie's Avatar
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    I think I might know. I am not sure but my barber told me they used to keep razors in a pan with a solution and an ultraviolet light over it. He said all of his discolered because of it. Mack

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    Senior Member blabbermouth JimR's Avatar
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    It could be that, mackie, but it's only the tips of the blades, the heels, tangs etc. are fine...

    Quote Originally Posted by ben.mid View Post
    I suspected that from your first post really.

    I can only suggest some polish first, & if that doesn't shift it, try going to the finest grade wet & dry you can lay your hands on. You obviously don't want to leave scratches, so keep everything very light. Then it's back to the polish.

    Thanks Ben. I tried polish, but it just sort of altered the color. So I tried some 2000 W&D and it took it right off. I guess I was too heavy handed, though, because it's pretty scratchy looking. I guess I just need to keep polishing. But I'm happy that I could do something that wasn't too drastic!

    Hmmm...could it be something like oxidized oils from the barber's fingers? It wasn't deep at all, and under it the steel looks fine.

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    Mack mackie's Avatar
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    Actually mine was that same way and he said they would lean the handles over the edge of the pan and the stuff would evaporate so it was on the tip more often than otherwise. I don't know, just a suggestion. I'm glad it came off. mine didn't. Took a lot of sanding.

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