Thread: Pitting: How close to the edge is too close for this razor?

Hello gentleman, I'm rather new to this whole straight shaving thing just two months shaving but I've become quite interested in restoration. I recently decided to take up my first real restoration attempt, just for practice if nothing else (my first razor is vintage, but only required some minor sandpaper cleanup and a good hone.) It turns out that I may have picked a tricky razor to start with. The razor I've been cleaning up came in pretty poor condition. A good part of it was rusted over, its pitted all over the place. I quite like the etching though and would like to try to get it into usable condition.



However, I noticed some pitting very near and possibly even on the edge, as seen here





My question is, is this pitting too close to the edge? How can I tell without a microscope (if I can even tell without one) and can this razor be saved? Is it possible to hone this out? I've already taken the sandpaper to it quite a bit and I'm very hesitant to try and sand the pits out on the blade since its a full hollow. Anyways, any input is appreciated. Its not the biggest loss if its junk, but I'd like to save it if I can.

Also, for a rather pitted tang, do you guys usually sand those completely out or just leave it at a light sanding. I'm not sure how far to go on the non blade parts of the razor here. I don't want to wear the thing down to nothing, but a nice shiny razor wouldn't hurt either. (well, actually I guess it would technically... )

Thanks!

TBH, it doesn't look very promising to me. All you can go is try setting a bevel but I would bet it will begin to fall apart in the heavily pitted areas.

Well I can't say I'm surprised. I will go ahead an try set the bevel before long. It actually came surprisingly sharp for the condition it was in, so I don't think it needs too much work in that area. In any case, its all a learning experience at this point, and probably better that the razor is likely junk. Low risk and high potential for reward in my eyes! Thanks for the input.

Originally Posted by Patches

Well I can't say I'm surprised. I will go ahead an try set the bevel before long. It actually came surprisingly sharp for the condition it was in, so I don't think it needs too much work in that area. In any case, its all a learning experience at this point, and probably better that the razor is likely junk. Low risk and high potential for reward in my eyes! Thanks for the input.

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Patches,

Maybe you can get a decent shave from this blade provided that the corrosion/pitting doesn't interrupt the properly set bevel from heel to toe.

As long as your bevel is not compromised by pitting, you may well be good to go at least until you hone the blade to the point that the bevel hits the pitting.

A 10x jewelers loupe will be of much help in determining the condition of your bevel. Go for it.