Thread: Liner question

Originally Posted by TomlinAS

What do you mean by reactive? Aside from its flammability when ground fine, what is it about aluminum that would make it a poor choice as a straight razor scale liner?

I guess I can see copper due to the corrosive issue, but avoiding aluminum seems odd to me. But then, I don't make knives OR restore razors...yet

I had the same question because I use aluminum all the time and have been known to make a knife once, myself. I was hoping for a heads up in case aluminum is problematic somehow or another. Even sent a PM, but never got an answer. Must have pissed ole Howard off...

You've made a knife?

Unless you shave your face with a mercury-based soap (probably not good for your health) or plan on surgically implanting your razor in your body (ok, I may be guilty of this one, depending on if you ask my left ear or not)...I just can't see why Aluminum would be a bad choice.

Especially since we're not even talking about the blade...

I know there are concerns with aluminum cookware and acidic foods. In that case I think the concern is more that the food will be contaminated and you'll develop Alzheimer's Disease or something like that than that the aluminum pan will be ruined. Although untreated aluminum pans are also prone to pitting and darkening from certain foods.

You've made a knife? click the link




I had another question about the aluminum... but I can't remember what it was... my memory is shot, lately

Does anybody else know what Howard means by aluminum being reactive? Anybody?

Originally Posted by urleebird

Does anybody else know what Howard means by aluminum being reactive? Anybody?

Bill, I think he means it will corrode or oxidize easily. My $.02

Originally Posted by azjoe

Bill, I think he means it will corrode or oxidize easily. My $.02

This is what I assumed he meant. Or that aluminum could
have an affect on wood or horn scales?...


Terry

I wouldn't think interaction with the wood would be a problem. Depending on the aluminum alloy used, there might be a reason to consider what "corrosion" might occur. Usually bare aluminum forms an oxide coating very rapidly and that pretty much stops further oxidation. But since razors get wet, there's also galvanic action to consider. So, I guess you could wonder what might happen in the vicinity where the steel blade, the aluminum liner and brass pins all get together? And, if you add washers between the blade and the liner (which most of us would do) you have a nice "sandwich" of dissimilar metals. Honestly, it's been way too many years since I took chemistry to know for sure what might happen... I'll go back to sleep now...

Just use titanium, it sound way cooler than
aluminum anyway......


Terry

Terry, Bill will do titanium but only if you're willing to cut/shape the metal for him