Thread: barkeepers friend?

I'm new to straight collecting and have yet to do my first restoration. I've been searching the threads and the wiki to get as much info on techniques and products to use. I had an idea today as I was polishing my steel pots and pans, ( I baby my pans more than anything. Lol) I use barkeepers to get out stains and follow with a metal polish. Has anyone ever used barkeepers to remove rust and stains? Any opinions?

rinaldi,

I don't know about that. Barkeepers may be frindly to stainless steel sinks and pots, but I'm not so sure that it would be as friendly to str8 razor blades. There may be chemicals in Barkeeprs that may react with the carbon steel of most str8 razor blades. Read the label carefully.

My rule of thumb with using any method to remove rust, corrosion, etc. is to use the least aggressive or abrasive method first, then move up to the next if the first doesnt do the job.

A lot of the str8 razor restorers here use very fine grit sandpaper. They also use a metal polisher with the brand name MAAS. Those who are really into restoring vintage razors also use a Dremel tool or a buffer to restore a blade as close as possible to its original condition.

I am certin that ther is a more experienced SRP member who can give you even better advice than I can. The previous feedback is just my 2 cents worth.

I figured id end up using fine grit sandpaper but I figured id ask about the barkeepers before attempting and ruining one of my straights. I read the thread about the guy using bleach to steralize and didn't want to have a similar result. Thanks for your input.

The other problem with using a powder like Barkeepers friend is the lack of control over where it goes, you will be scouring the edge as much as anything else. While sandpaper usage will leave a dull razor in need of work you still wouldn't be scouring the edge with it.

I tried BKF to remove heavy patina and it did not work.
for already nice and clean razor, it would be not useful since its acid based and will corrode the blade if you don't rinse properly. Maas/flitz/mother's do the job when you want to remove a stain on the blade.

Thank you guys for the feedback. I'm planning on heading to the aouto supply store this week and getting some sandpaper. Ill keep you all posted. I have a boker I'm starting with.