Thread: Black stains...

I was curious what could be used to remove the black stains from older blades rather than sanding them all out. I have heard about using the buffing wheels with differeent compounds, but are there any other ways? Thanks.

I've read that some guys unpin the blade and put it in a vibratory tumbler such as ammunition reloaders use to clean their fired brass. Dremel tools as well. If you're going to use a regular buffer you have to be skilled or you can harm the blade or yourself in a pair of seconds.

It would help if you would post us a picture so we can analyze the severity of the black stains.

Here is the best picture that I can find to show. The other side has some that partially covers the "Fine India Steel" overlay (it almost appears like it was soap left on the blade).

Maas and all those hand polishes will not really help a lot. It'll clean it some but that's where it ends. A vibratory tumbler will do a better job then the Maas but will still not remove it all. Those black horizontal lines is pitting that goes deep. So are the darkest ones too.
Or you live with the older vintage look, take some hand polish and rub out as much as possible, or you start sanding and start removing some steel. Yes, the fastest will be the buffer with all available compounds or belt grinder. I do notice your edge is chopped, so I suggest you first set a bevel and try to hone the razor as to see if the edge turns out perfect which I think it will before doing any work.