Thread: Shining/polishing razors without grinding

Hi all, I've been trying to figure out how to clean off tarnish or water-marks (as opposed to rust) on some vintage razors I've come across. Basically I've only seen grinding/dremel-type suggestions. Is there no way to use some cleaner, like you would on a steel pans or knives? I'm thinking something like baking soda, vinegar, windex, bar keeper's friend, etc. Would these damage the blade?

I've looked around and haven't found much info. Maybe we could add a section for such things in the restoration or maintenance sections? Essentially I'd like to polish or clean tarnish, with a list something like:

•*CLR - Removes some staining but causes severe discoloration on stainless steel.
•*Windex - Great for achieving a nice shine, though not recommended before storage unless you treat with oil after. Also, won't remove tarnish, rust, water stains, etc. Only good for cleaning off dirt and oil.

Thoughts? Could we get something like that together?

I've used Semichrome, Wenol, Flitz, Turtle Wax compound, Mother's Chrome polish and others I cannot think of offhand and none of them are that effective at removing all of the stains. They get some and help but not all IME.

I would try metal polish like fitz or maas .

In the mean time, here is some light reading.

Removing Water Spots

I dont think anyone here advocates using chemical cleaners on razors, often they'll discolor the metal further. If you want an aggressive polish, add a little CrO or 1.0 micron or less diamond paste to a metal polish. That'll eat through tarnish real quick.

Cool I never thought of adding chromium oxide to speed things up, I'm going to test how that works on this clunker chipped to heck blade I have and see whether it leaves visible scratches or not.

Maybe I'll invent Green MAAS and call it HULK Metal Polish and become rich.