Blade Trouble

[Gaznix]

Hi guys, I’m relatively new to straights and have got on well with shaving and maintaining the blade on my balsa. I’m having trouble with keeping the actual face of the blade looking perfect, I find there’s black spots appearing on the blade. I have a small brush and have scrubbed the blade using a small amount of washing up liquid to no avail. I don’t want to stub too hard near the edge as I want to dull or damage it in any way. I have taken a few pictures but appreciate they’re not amazing. Can anyone offer some advice please?

Many thanks

Gaz

 

[stone and strop]

Looks like oxidation.
How are you storing it and handling it after each shave?

 

[Ice-Man]

Those look like water stains!!! Are you drying the blade and scales with some toilet paper, then leaving out to air dry before putting away...

 

[Gaznix]

I dry with toilet paper but don’t air dry I just put it back in it’s case. Maybe I should leave air dry. Is there anything I can do to get the blade back to perfect?

 

[ScottChapin]

I some instances, it might be blood staining. I have used 000 steel wool successfully, but inspecting and drying before storing is best.


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[Gaznix]

Hopefully not blood! I have 0000 will in the shed, I’ll have a go tomorrow, many thanks!

 

[ScottChapin]

Hopefully not blood! I have 0000 will in the shed, I’ll have a go tomorrow, many thanks!

You’d be far better than me! I’d get a little aggressive and irritated skin can bleed a little, to a point you don’t even realize it. Then tiny blood spots grow.


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[bluesman 7]

I'd try a little metal polish. You will probably loose the stencil logo though. Same caution with steel wool.

Keep the web of your hand behind the spine if you are not using a fixture!!!!!

 

[Gaznix]

Yeah I was worried about the logo, many thanks

 

[stone and strop]

You can use a Qtip for metal polish when you want to isolate an area. I use Autosol.
I would stay away from the steel wool, once you start you are committed to doing the entire blade and you may not like the results.

 

[Gaznix]

I have some Autosol in my tool box, great shout with the cotton bud, I’ll do this in the morning and report back. Many thanks!

 

[stone and strop]

If after cleaning you keep getting the same reaction, even if you wipe clean with tissue then leave for 5 minutes or so then you might want to start to incorporate some mineral oil to keep the steel clean.
Autosol is great stuff!

 

[HazMat Shaver]

As you know, be very careful of the edge. With a cotton swab you can rub lightly off of the edge. Meaning from the spine and all the way off the edge. Carefully as the edge is delicate. Wash after polish and dry with tissue and leave open. I leave mine open for 24 hours. I have a safe place to put them when open. Be sure your place is safe.

Thin oil is great to put on your blade but it must be dry first or you lock the water in with a coat of oil. And this is even worse.

Just be careful and let us know how it goes. If it doesn't come off then a good scrubbing will be needed and honing to be sure its right afterwards.

 

[Gaznix]

Cheers guys! Autosol and cotton bud worked a treat!!

 

[Dryphter]

Looks good!

How does Autosol compare to Mothers for a polish?

 

[Gaznix]

I don’t know sorry I only use Autosol, I use it on my Mustang exhaust.

 

[stone and strop]

Autosol feels abrasive - like its working, yet leaves a nice polish behind.
It feels gritty compared to other polishers.

 

[stone and strop]

Cheers guys! Autosol and cotton bud worked a treat!!

Looks great again!