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Thread: "Accelerated" rusting
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07-09-2006, 08:34 PM #1
"Accelerated" rusting
A couple of weeks ago I found my old Dovo Special razor, bought in the eighties of last century, covered in rust. I hadn't used it for a while because it is very hard to hone. I removed most of the rust with a little wire brush and started to grind it to remove the burrs etc. Unfortunately, within 24/24 there was rust again on the freshly ground cutting edge. The razor was really dry before being put aside in a really dry room. I keep my working razors in a less dry bathroom and they do not seem to come to any harm.
Can anyone tell what causes this accelerated rusting? And what to do about it?
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07-09-2006, 09:10 PM #2
- Join Date
- May 2005
- Location
- East Liverpool, Ohio
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- 971
Thanked: 324It could be celluloid rot. Celluloid, (cellulose nitrate, which is similar to gunpowder in chemical makeup) if it deteriorates, emits a highly corrosive gas that will rust razors very badly, indeed. If this is the case, you'll need to remove the scales and discard them before it primes other celluloid handles to break down, too.
if there's discoloration in the handle that is in the same areas as the accellerated rusting, it's a sure sign. If the celluloid smell is particularly strong on the razor, that's also a sure sign.
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07-10-2006, 06:24 AM #3
The scales emit a vinagery smell so I suppose you're right. Thanks for the tip!
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07-10-2006, 06:49 AM #4
I've also heard that if you store your razor in the same drawer or cabinet with your styptic pencil that it can cause rust too.
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07-10-2006, 04:13 PM #5
- Join Date
- May 2005
- Location
- East Liverpool, Ohio
- Posts
- 971
Thanked: 324Kees, the smell is a dead giveaway - along with the rust, actually. If you haven't removed those handles, which should be quite brittle, indeed, do so immediately and discard them. It's the only way I know to save the blade.
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07-10-2006, 04:52 PM #6
This is very informative. I didn't know this about celluloid. Kees, make sure you also clean the blade thoroughly, to remove any rust-causing residue. Good luck!