Thread: Experiment...Rust Removal

That Clover looks pretty good. The spine wear is even and should make a fine shaver in the end. I hope you finish out that Gold Seal too. A razor used that much deserves to be cleaned up and used again. You can tell that was probably the only razor the guy had and used it right up until the bitter end!

That Gold Seal will be the pride of my collection!

well 5 days turned into 5 1/2 days.
I rinsed with hot water and wiped clean. I will hit them with 2000 grit and see how they look after I get unpacked.

Before:



After:



*edit*
I went over each blade with 2000 grit (about 5 minutes total time) then a quick wipe down with turtle wax polishing compound.

This experiment didn't turn out too bad in the end. Looks like it removes the red rust fairly well. Guess I'll hit up these antique stores again looking for the severely rusted razor and drop in the molasses to see what happens.

How do you feel this worked?

took care of the red rust with ease, some of the black rust came off. with a little sanding the black came off a little easier. I would be willing to try a longer soak to see if it takes more off. The blades do come out of the molasses very dark grey, but nothing a little polish can't take care of.

Any idea what this would do to scales?

Well, I went out and bought the Molasses. Then I took 6 of the damaged Hess razors and started working on them.
I took the scales off all 6 and the camphor smell said celluloid rot. One razor I tried to sand all the rust and pitting off but the pitting is to deep. 3 razors I just sanded off the rust and 2 I left as is. All are now in the Molasses. Will someone remind me to take them out in 1 month?

Here is a link to a bunch of pics.........
Rusty Hess Razors - a set on Flickr

The razors will be best used for wood carving, leather & shop work.