Thread: Molasses 101

Originally Posted by Pete_S

I was curious about how this works. Turns out the molasses mix makes an acid, so basically its similar in principle to most other rust removers like naval jelly and vinegar. I'm assuming that its more gentle, or something in the mix makes it work better since Glen is vouching for it, and I haven't seen him give bad advice.

Just to clarify, Glen is vouching for the "Test" and the fact that somebody "Walt" is taking the time to do the test to see if there is anything there..

I think the more actual tests that are done with razors adds to our combined database, I am waiting in the wings like the rest of us for the results..

Here are some things I have learned over that last few years on these forums, never ever take what anyone has to say as gospel with this hobby, not even those old barber's manuals,, everything is YMMV and unless you test it yourself you will never know for sure...

PS: Thanks Pete you just gave me an idea for this months beginner's tips

I started to try the Mollassas thing a week ago with a 7 to 1 ratio.
When I put them in.

This is how they look straight out of the jar.

The black seems like it will come off, as some came off when rinsing the mollassas off. Just not sure what to use to get the best results.

Progress! I'll be keeping an eye on this too - thanks for sharing!

Originally Posted by Pete_S

You might try the opposite, molasses than electrolysis.
.......

For the sake of completeness.
Shop for and read about "NAVAL JELLY'' RUST DISSOLVER, It removes rust from metal
surfaces such as iron and steel. There are a number of brands. I was surprised to
see LOCTITE brand Naval Jelly Rust Dissolver.

Also try these common kitchen tricks:
Cream of Tartar (can be found in grocery stores in the spice section).
Lemon Juice and Salt.
Borax and Lemon Juice
Undiluted white vinegar

Originally Posted by Walt

I was honing a Wustoff razor this evening with my "molasses laboratory" sitting on my workbench in front of me. I took a break from the honing and noticed activity in the 1:10 mixture. It was effervescing at a pretty good clip. I used to make hard cider in five gallon glass carboys and it looked just like when the yeast was working and sending a steady stream of small bubbles to the top.

Even though I was determined not to fiddle with the material submerged in the mixture, my curiosity got the best of me. When I lifted everything clear of the molasses I didn't see any kind of activity on the surface of the blade or the scales that would indicate there was some sort of reaction taking place. Everything appeared inert and non-reactive.

Then the connection to the cider struck me. Is it possible that there is some sort of wild yeast that could have come in the molasses and is now working on the sugars that are present. The other two bottles don't show any reaction. Could the 1:10 dilution have made the environment more "friendly" for some hitchhiking yeasts to begin fermentation? Or, maybe, it's just the molasses busily eating away the rust and restoring the blade to a showroom finish!

Regards - Walt

When it stops bubbling, we can drink it! And yes, it IS fermenting!

First of all, I am appalled at how you guys took my hemorrhoid remedy and blew it all out of proportion.

On the other hand, we have all heard how Cola has an uncanny ability to remove paint and rust. Many years ago I worked for Coca Cola Bottling and the formula at that time contained all pure cane sugar. Nowadays it contains fructose or corn syrup. I am wondering how the formula change has affected the ability of cola to remove rust and/or paint.

Jerry
____

Originally Posted by Cangooner

I'll definitely start a thread if and when I actually do this. Right now I'm waiting for the rusty blades to arrive.

On a side note, I've read in a couple of places that washing soda may be a better electrolyte as it is less corrosive. Just an FYI for anyone else thinking of trying this. OK Time to stop hijacking the molasses thread!

Thats actually mentioned in the surplus rfile thread. The guy that did the experiment seemed to think even plain water would be ok, just slower. But I am going to use washing soda, myself, you're right that it is supposed to work better.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Just to clarify, Glen is vouching for the "Test" and the fact that somebody "Walt" is taking the time to do the test to see if there is anything there..

I think the more actual tests that are done with razors adds to our combined database, I am waiting in the wings like the rest of us for the results..

Here are some things I have learned over that last few years on these forums, never ever take what anyone has to say as gospel with this hobby, not even those old barber's manuals,, everything is YMMV and unless you test it yourself you will never know for sure...

PS: Thanks Pete you just gave me an idea for this months beginner's tips

Hey now, lets not get carried away here, nobody said anything about gospel, and I was seriously thinking of adding a "yet" in there originally. But I decided to play nice... and not get banned. So I'll offer an amended statement:

"and I havent seen Glen give bad advice... yet. But he will one day. One day soon. And I'm going to make sure to be there when he does."

Originally Posted by niftyshaving

For the sake of completeness.
Shop for and read about "NAVAL JELLY'' RUST DISSOLVER, It removes rust from metal
surfaces such as iron and steel. There are a number of brands. I was surprised to
see LOCTITE brand Naval Jelly Rust Dissolver.....

I don't really have enough junk razors rusting for that... actually only 2. I could do one in vinegar or something then the wires. It might be good in that it removes any surface "pickling", or whatever you call it, that happens with an acid. The only thing is that other treatments might not be necessary if the electrolysis is as quick as it might be. But I guess thats the point of experimenting.

But, yeah, anyway, sorry about hijacking the molasses thread again, Walt.

You'll need to throw in some raisins to mellow out the mix! Yes, oranges! But not until latter.

Originally Posted by LameBMX

What about someone who may not be able to use power tools? Or a restorer that really wants to up their volume?

I suppose, working with tools, metals, and woods my whole life, the notion of using different goops and chemicals to get rust off a piece of metal just seems strange to me. As far as volume, no restorer needs to remove rust on 100 razors at a time in a big vat of molasses, when a sissel wheel or any greaseless will take off rust in about 2 seconds per razor. Lacking power tools, a bit of oil and a wire brush works wonders. Still, it would be nice to have some chemical to remove rust, and save etchings and engravings on blades...the traditional methods are slow as...molasses

Gssixgun makes a point about trial and error and experimentation, though. Maybe I should be open minded, but on this particular topic, I would think the best methods have already been discovered...we're not reinventing the wheel here, rust removal is a topic as old as the iron age.

Hmmm, my razors have been soaking in the pure molasses for about 1 month now. Maybe I should take them out soon?